How War and Disaster Together Are Accelerating Climate and Ecological Collapse
By the Editorial Team | Prakriti Darshan Magazine | June 21, 2025
Early Saturday morning on June 21, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake jolted Iran. Its epicentre located near the coastal region of Hormozgan. The quake, recorded at 4:18 AM local time by the Iranian Seismological Center, sent tremors through nearby towns, already fatigued by months of war and displacement.
While the physical damage appeared limited and no casualties were immediately reported, the quake has heightened fears of compounded disasters. Iran’s southern region is densely populated and includes major oil facilities—making it vulnerable not just geologically, but geopolitically and ecologically.
The Parallel Crisis: Iran-Israel War Timeline
Since late 2023, escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel have caused widespread devastation. Here is a compiled summary of major war-related incidents:
| Date | Event | Casualties | Environmental Notes |
| Oct 2023 | Hamas attacks Israel; Iran implicated | 1,200+ deaths in Israel | Surge in military fuel usage, regional instability |
| Nov 2023 | Israeli airstrikes in Syria and Iran-backed militias | 180+ deaths | Cross-border habitat destruction |
| Jan 2024 | Cyberattacks & power failures in Israel | Minimal casualties | Critical infrastructure disruption |
| Apr 2024 | Israeli attack on Natanz nuclear facility | Dozens killed | Nuclear contamination concerns |
| May 2025 | Iran missile strike in Tel Aviv | 200+ injured, 70+ dead | Civilian displacement and urban infrastructure loss |
| June 2025 | Israel drone attacks near Isfahan | 90+ deaths | Forest fires reported near conflict zones |
War’s Contribution to Climate Crisis: A Global Threat
Modern warfare, particularly in energy-dependent regions like the Middle East, plays a massive role in accelerating global warming. According to environmental watchdogs and climate data analysts, the Iran-Israel conflict is significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions, with long-term repercussions for the climate, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Key Environmental Damages from the Conflict:
Blasts and refinery blazes are pumping large quantities of CO₂ and harmful cancer-causing pollutants into the air.
Military aircraft emissions are contributing to high-altitude pollution and ozone depletion.
Oil field attacks have led to water table contamination, harming aquifers and irrigation channels.
Mass migrations and destroyed cities are creating unsustainable pressure on neighboring habitats.
Ecological Toll: Impact on Wildlife and Natural Habitats
In western Iran and northern Israel, once-thriving ecosystems are turning into war-torn wastelands. The Zagros Mountains, home to Persian leopards, wild goats, and dozens of bird species, have seen an increase in fire incidents and illegal hunting as locals flee conflict zones. Night bombings disrupt nocturnal animal behavior, leading to ecological imbalances.
In marine zones of the Persian Gulf, oil spills from targeted tankers and naval vessels have decimated coral ecosystems and marine breeding grounds, threatening dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds.
Human and Animal Lives Interlinked in Crisis
The Iran earthquake adds another tragic layer to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people, already displaced by war, are now living in tents and makeshift shelters without access to clean water, food, or healthcare. Rising temperatures caused by climate change—amplified by wartime emissions—have made southern Iran one of the most heat-stressed regions on Earth.
Children, pregnant women, elderly citizens, and animals alike are suffering the consequences. Veterinary services have collapsed in conflict zones, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Additionally, food chain disruptions caused by dying pollinators and vanishing green zones are posing existential threats to both rural livelihoods and urban food systems.
Conclusion: A Unified Call for Peace and Planetary Healing
What we are witnessing in Iran & Israel today is not just the tragedy of a natural disaster or a war—it is a symptom of a deeper imbalance between humanity and nature. From the shaking of the earth beneath us to the rising heat above, from the destruction of war to the vanishing of wildlife, this unfolding crisis shows us clearly that true peace and lasting environmental balance are deeply connected and must be pursued together.
At Prakriti Darshan, we urge global leaders, civil society, and environmental organizations to adopt an eco-centric approach to conflict resolution. Only through diplomacy, restoration, and climate cooperation can we hope to preserve the Earth for all species.
References :
- Iranian Seismological Center (IRSC)
https://irsc.ut.ac.ir
(Real-time and historical earthquake data from Iran) - United States Geological Survey (USGS)
https://earthquake.usgs.gov
(Global earthquake data including Iran region and magnitude records) - BBC News – Middle East Conflict Coverage
https://www.bbc.com/news/world/middle_east
(Timeline and analysis of Iran-Israel hostilities and regional implications) - Al Jazeera – Iran-Israel News
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middle-east
(On-ground war updates, missile strikes, and drone attacks) - Reuters – Middle East War Developments
https://www.reuters.com/places/middle-east
(Military actions, casualty numbers, and regional analysis) - Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS)
https://ceobs.org
(Research on environmental impact of modern warfare, including the Middle East) - Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) – Environmental Security Reports
https://sipri.org
(Data and policy analysis on the intersection of climate and armed conflict) - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Environmental Impacts of Armed Conflict
https://www.unep.org/resources
(Reports on how wars affect biodiversity, pollution, and climate)
PRAKRITI DARSHAN-NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE
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