2 Weeks of War on Iran Released More Carbon Emissions Than 84 Countries Do in a Year

Key Points:

• The first two weeks of the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran generated over 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual output of the 84 lowest-emitting countries combined.
• The largest source of emissions, nearly 2.5 million tonnes, came from the destruction of 20,000 homes, medical facilities, and schools in Iran, equivalent to the yearly emissions of 1.1 million gas-powered cars.
• Attacks on oil facilities and tankers contributed 1.9 million tonnes of emissions, with additional emissions from military fuel use, destroyed equipment, and drone and missile strikes.
• Researchers warn that the war’s carbon emissions will increase as the conflict continues, and the long-term climate impact will be worsened by expanded fossil fuel production driven by U.S. energy policies.
• The environmental damage has immediate health impacts for Iranians, such as toxic rain and air pollution in Tehran, while the global climate consequences of the ongoing war will be significant and enduring.