The Environmental Legacy of Explosive Remnants of War

Apr 20, 2023 | Linsey Cottrell and Kristin Holme
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The damage caused by armed conflicts extends beyond that caused by the fighting itself and weapons used. As well as the risk from serious injury or death, the remains of cluster munitions, landmines and other explosive ordnance also have an environmental impact which requires focus.  Explosive ordnance can impact the environment in several ways. This includes direct impacts to soil quality and local ecosystems, as well as potential impacts from undertaking clearance activities to remove explosive ordnance remaining in the ground. Environmental degradation undermines human health, livelihoods, and security by impacting the provision of ecosytem services upon which people rely. These ecosystem services include providing water, food, medicine, and raw materials, in addition to supporting biodiveristy, regulating the climate, and supporting cultural and spiritual wellbeing.