Key Points for SSC/UPSC and Other Exams

• A new report estimates 32.2 million tCO2e (tonnes of CO2 equivalent) emissions from the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• This is more than the annual emissions of 102 countries.
• Divided into 3 phases: Pre-conflict, Active Conflict, and Post-conflict Reconstruction.
• Major emissions contributors: rebuilding Gaza, military operations, and humanitarian logistics.
• Report titled “War on the Climate”.
• Proposes a new framework: Scope 3+ for better tracking of conflict-related emissions.
• Military emissions account for up to 5.5% of global emissions, more than civil aviation and shipping.

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Understanding the Climate Cost of War

In addition to its devastating human and political impact, the Israel-Gaza conflict is now being studied through a new lens — its environmental footprint. A ground-breaking study titled “War on the Climate” has revealed shocking data: the total greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from this conflict exceed 32.2 million tCO2e.

That’s more than the annual emissions of over 102 countries, placing a harsh spotlight on the unseen climate damage of war.

Breakdown of Emissions by Conflict Phase

1. Pre-Conflict Emissions

Before war broke out, emissions were already accumulating from military preparations:

• Hamas’s tunnel network construction and Israel’s 65 km security barrier led to emissions of 557,359 tCO2e.

2. Active Conflict Emissions – Total: 1.89 million tCO2e

• Cargo Deliveries: 555,777 tCO2e
• Israeli Aerial Bombings: 252,490.6 tCO2e
• Ground Vehicles: 47,838.2 tCO2e
• Artillery Use: 78,306 tCO2e
• Rocket Fire: 925.9 tCO2e
• Electricity Generation in Gaza (fuel use): 131,791.4 tCO2e
• Humanitarian Aid Deliveries: 817,436 tCO2e

3. Post-Conflict Reconstruction – Total: ~29.75 million tCO2e

• Rebuilding Gaza, where 54–66% of buildings are damaged, will emit:
  • Housing reconstruction alone: 26.86 million tCO2e

Hidden Emissions and Data Gaps

The study emphasizes that current emissions frameworks fail to account for war’s full climate impact.

• The UN’s climate reporting is voluntary, and military activities are often excluded.
• Israel, for example, does not report military fuel use in its national data.
• A new model, called Scope 3+, has been proposed to include emissions from:
  • Destruction of infrastructure
  • Displacement of people
  • Post-war logistics and reconstruction

Global Implications

Military emissions are significantly under-reported despite making up up to 5.5% of total global emissions — higher than emissions from the entire civil aviation or shipping industry.

The report calls for mandatory reporting of military emissions under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), and adoption of the Scope 3+ framework.

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Organization Details

UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)

• Formed: 1992 (at Rio Earth Summit)
• Objective: Stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations
• Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
• Key Agreements: Kyoto Protocol (1997), Paris Agreement (2015)

Israel

• Capital: Jerusalem
• Prime Minister (2025): Benjamin Netanyahu
• Currency: Israeli Shekel (ILS)

Gaza (Palestinian Territories)

• Governing Body: Hamas (de facto)
• Major City: Gaza City
• Geography: Coastal strip bordered by Israel and Egypt

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Expected MCQs

1. According to the “War on the Climate” report, how much CO2e was emitted due to the Israel-Gaza conflict overall?
A. 10 million tCO2e
B. 19 million tCO2e
C. 32.2 million tCO2e
D. 50 million tCO2e
Answer: C. 32.2 million tCO2e

2. What new emissions framework does the report propose?
A. Scope 2
B. Scope 3+
C. Net Zero Protocol
D. Military Emissions Chart
Answer: B. Scope 3+

3. What percentage of global emissions are linked to military activities, as per the report?
A. 2%
B. 3.5%
C. 5.5%
D. 7%
Answer: C. 5.5%

4. Which UN body is responsible for international climate change agreements?
A. UNDP
B. UNHRC
C. UNFCCC
D. UNEP
Answer: C. UNFCCC

5. What is the capital of Israel?
A. Tel Aviv
B. Gaza
C. Jerusalem
D. Haifa
Answer: C. Jerusalem