The consequences of the war are also felt in the environment, UN warning: Highly toxic substances are being released in Iran

The consequences of the war are also felt in the environment, UN warning: Highly toxic substances are being released in Iran

The United Nations warns that the war in Iran is causing serious consequences for the environment and climate, because attacks on oil infrastructure are releasing highly toxic substances.

Fossil fuels, heavy metals, and substances that are highly resistant to water and heat have seeped into the soil, while fires have released pollutants such as dioxins and furans.

Also recorded were large emissions of greenhouse gases, damage to the drinking water supply system, and a worsening of the water crisis in Iran.

Experts say oil tanker fires in the region pose an increasing risk to fish and marine life. However, much data is still missing, so a full assessment of the potential risks to ecosystems, soil, water, air and food is not yet possible.

Indirect consequences are also considered to be the increased use of coal instead of gas in countries that import gas, as well as in the future from high CO₂ emissions for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed by the war./TCH