The Impact of Climate Change and Military Conflict on the Environment and Public Health in the Kurdistan Region

Introduction 

The  Kurdistan Region, with its mountainous landscapes and fertile grounds, hosts a diverse ecosystem that sustains both human and animal populations. However, due to global climate change, the region faces challenges in conserving the land's natural resources which livelihoods and economics rely upon. The region has a prolonged history of political conflicts extending to current Turkish bombardments in its mountains, aggravating these challenges due to the impact of military activities. This article posits that the confluence of ecocidal factors, climate change and military conflict, further degrades the habitat due to pollution and deforestation, contributing to significant public health issues. 

The following article incorporates insights from previous findings regarding the effect of climate change and military conflicts on the environment and public health in the Kurdistan Region. The crucial research question we aim to delve into is: "In what ways do climate change and military conflicts impact environmental degradation and public health concerns in the Kurdistan Region?" With the convergence of environmental and political obstacles in Kurdistan, tackling this inquiry is imperative in grasping the heightened risks confronting both its residents and the natural surroundings. By exploring this intersection between climate and conflict, we aim to bridge a significant gap in existing research on the topic. 

Literature Review 

The challenges set upon this region due to climate change are exacerbated due to ongoing military conflicts (Eklund et al., 2021). Previous studies underscore how climate change is reflected in the region through irregular rainfalls, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts, which exacerbate issues such as water scarcity and agricultural decline (‌Escribano, P. & D. Pons Ganddini, 2024). The strategies adopted to cope with this dire situation, such as water conservation and livelihood diversification, highlight the interconnectedness of climate change and political disputes in the region and the repercussions on public health and the environment (Sheikh & Aziz, 2024). 

Although the environmental impact of climate change has been thoroughly researched, less focus has been devoted to how warfare can exacerbate these concerns. Military conflicts, notably the prevailing Turkish military operations, perpetuate environmental degradation through forest fires, soil erosion, and pollution. As a result of these detrimental factors on the environment, cases of respiratory illnesses in Kurdistan are on an incline due to the worsening of air quality and rise in temperatures. It has been reported that the rise in respiratory diseases, like asthma and bronchitis, are linked to increased dust storms and air pollution (Mamluk & Karadaghy, 2024). Nevertheless, there has been little research into the overall effects of climate change and warfare on Kurdistan's environment and public health. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining how the combination of these factors exacerbates environmental and health concerns, with the objective of demonstrating the need for efficient policy solutions in the region.

Methodology 

The presented research will adopt a qualitative approach by utilizing secondary data to investigate the intersection of climate change, warfare, and public health in the Kurdistan Region. The research draws on existing studies, including peer-reviewed articles, reports, and data analysis. The sources were chosen based on relevancy to the research fields of climate change, military-implicated environmental degradation, and public health repercussions. The sources are region-specific research, crucial to illuminate vital insights characteristic to the Kurdistan Region and provide a robust structure for understanding the interlinked variables affecting the area. 

Discussions

Environmental Impact of Military Conflict 

The Kurdistan Region has a long history of interplay between political instabilities and environmental obstacles that jeopardize the welfare and sustenance of its population. The ongoing Turkish armed attacks in its mountains have led to damages that extend far beyond the targeted points. These attacks have caused extensive forest fires and deforestation, posing threats to the land's biodiversity and resilience against climate change (Eklund et al., 2021). Moreover, the destruction of forests halts the absorption of carbon dioxide and releases its storage back into the atmosphere: As a result, the region is more susceptible to environmental deterioration, such as soil erosion and desertification, due to the loss of forest cover which interferes with the ecosystems and contributes to the extinction of plant and animal species (Hawramy, 2018). Furthermore, soil erosion and loss of vegetation contribute to dust storms, which in turn worsen land degradation and reduce agriculture productivity by stripping away the nutrition-rich topsoil (Hama-Aziz, 2022; Sissakian et al., 2013).

The ramifications of military operations include the destruction of natural water infrastructure, disturbance of river flow, and pollution of water sources (Schillinger et al., 2020). As an example, military-grade explosives cause long-term ecological damage due to the harmful residues: Such contamination contributes to airborne and waterborne diseases (Ahmed& Hussein, 2024). The combined impacts of climate change and military related damage amplify water scarcity. Irregular rainfalls and extended drought periods in turn reduce water resources and increase pollutant concentration in available sources(Schillinger et al., 2020)..

Air Quality and Respiratory Health Implications 

The dual impact of military conflict and climate change significantly worsens the air quality of the region. Particulate matter is tiny particles suspended in the air and can have various sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial and construction processes, and natural sources such as dust. PM 2.5, which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are of particular concern since they are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and trigger health problems. The region has rising levels of PM 2.5 as a result of military activities aggravating dust storms and wildfires. Especially the recurrent bombings in the mountainous areas release particulate matter and other harmful pollutants by igniting wildfires and destroying forested land. Consequently, leading to a rise in respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, as the fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs ‌ (Tripathi and Dhananjay, 2021; Hama-Aziz, 2022)

Public Health Repercussions 

The detrimental effects of the dual crisis in the Kurdistan Region are progressively evident. Primarily, these effects are apparent in the rise in respiratory illnesses, heat-related issues, and waterborne diseases. The decline in air quality facilitated by an ensemble of dust storms and military-related pollution has culminated in a prevalence of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)(Miri, et al., 2007). According to studies, concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5) are higher in conflict zones, enhancing these health hazards on the population. These tiny particles have the ability to bypass the blood-brain barrier and cause cognitive dysfunction. The exposure of the central nervous system to particulate matter has been linked to the development of neuropathological conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease (Dovbeshko& Borisova, 2024). Additionally, the rise in temperatures increases the risk of cardiac ailments, particularly amongst susceptible groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions (Tripathi and Dhananjay, 2021). 

Conclusion 

The aftermath of the cumulative effects of climate change and military conflict in the Kurdistan Region have led to the public health crisis due to the degradation of the environment. The habit of this region is strained to sustain life as military operations further aggravate damage. The environmental damage not only endangers the quality of soil, air, and water but also acts as a catalyst for the public health crisis, contributing to an increase in respiratory, cardiac, waterborne diseases, and other complications. In order to address the aforementioned challenges, a comprehensive resolution addressing climate adaptation and conflict mitigation would resolve the intertwined issues prompted in the region.  First, regional government and international organizations should collaborate to initiate environmental restoration initiatives with a focus on forest restoration and soil conservation. Second, stronger parameters on emissions and pollution management in conflict zones could mitigate the health implications of particulate matter. Furthermore, implementing water conservation measures and establishing alternative water sources will help to alleviate water shortages, while improving healthcare facilities to manage climate and pollution-related illnesses

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