The planet-warming emissions generated during the few months of the war in Gaza have surpassed the annual carbon footprint of over 20 of the most climate-vulnerable nations. ¨The data, which is shared exclusively with the Guardian, provides the first estimate of the carbon cost of the war in Gaza, which is causing unprecedented human suffering, infrastructure damage and environmental catastrophes, ¨ according to the Guardian journalist Nina Lakhani.

According to research by US and UK scientists, Israel’s ground invasion and attack on Gaza has produced around 281,000 tons of CO2. The Guardian says, “the climate cost of the first 60 days of Israel’s military response was equivalent to burning at least 150,000 tons of coal.” This analysis includes the CO2 from making and exploding bombs, artillery and rockets, tanks and fuel from other vehicles, and aircraft missions. The research does not include gases like methane. Nearly half the total of the CO2 emissions was caused by the US cargo planes flying military supplies to Israel.

Along with the horror already happening in Palestine, Israel’s first reported attempt to push seawater into the many tunnels beneath Gaza was successful. ¨Researchers specializing in water, diplomacy, and conflict have told Middle East Eye that the flooding would have damaging ecological effects, including the pollution of Gaza´s already devastated water supply and damage to its crops, ¨ according to Rayhan Uddin, a Guardian contributor who specializes in the Middle East.

Previous studies suggest the true carbon footprint could be five to eight times higher if emissions from the entire war supply chain were included. In addition to the intense suffering, the conflict is intensifying global climate energy.

“This study is only a snapshot of the larger military boot print of war…a partial picture of the massive carbon emissions and wider toxic pollutants that will remain long after the fighting is over,” said Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary, University of London.