Israel–Gaza war generated 33 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, study finds

The Israel–Gaza war has generated around 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), according to a new study conducted by researchers from Lancaster University and led by Queen Mary University of London.

The researchers said 33 million tonnes of CO₂ is roughly equal to the total emissions of Jordan in 2024, the annual emissions of 7.6 million petrol cars, or the amount of carbon absorbed by 33.1 million acres of forests in a year, according to a statement from Lancaster University.

Beyond the human toll of the conflict, emissions from active military operations alone exceeded 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂e. These emissions include those generated by artillery fire, rockets and other military equipment used during the war, the researchers found.

The analysis also accounted for emissions linked to the construction of defensive infrastructure as well as the large carbon footprint associated with rebuilding damaged roads, buildings and other essential infrastructure after the conflict.

“Armed conflicts cause immense humanitarian and economic harm, but their environmental consequences are rarely quantified. Our research shows that war can generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions, from active military operations through to the rebuilding that follows,” said lead author Benjamin Neimark of Queen Mary University of London.

“The environmental cost of conflict is immense and overlooked. By quantifying its carbon emissions, we make the invisible visible and highlight the urgent need for holistic and multi-sectoral decarbonisation efforts,” added co-author Reuben Larbi from Lancaster University.

Researchers also noted that military emissions are largely excluded from international climate reporting frameworks, meaning the environmental impact of warfare often remains absent from global climate accounting.

The study called for greater transparency in reporting military emissions through international mechanisms such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The research was led by Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with Lancaster University, the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana, the Climate and Community Project, the Conflict and Environment Observatory, and the Initiative on GHG Accounting of War.

The findings have been published in the journal One Earth.