The Hidden Environmental Cost of Conflict In Lebanon

The Lebanese-Israeli war of 2025 was a catastrophe for many reasons. While the world focused on the human toll and political aftermath, another consequence remains largely overlooked—the environmental impact. Beyond the destruction of infrastructure and loss of life, the war has had a devastating effect on Lebanon’s climate, depleting resources and leaving the country facing an uncertain future. The repercussions are already becoming evident, with Lebanon experiencing an unusually dry winter, severe crop failures, and growing desperation among those whose livelihoods depend on the land.

The War’s Silent Environmental Toll

When the conflict erupted, it quickly escalated into intense airstrikes and artillery exchanges. Thousands of bombs were dropped, and Israel’s use of highly destructive chemical weapons, such as phosphorus bombs, was a key element of the war. These bombs, which contain white phosphorus, release toxic chemicals into the air that ignite and cause fires upon contact with oxygen. However, the destruction was not limited to the bombs themselves; the long-term effects on Lebanon’s delicate ecosystem have been profound. Explosions sent clouds of pollutants—including soot, ash, and other chemicals—into the atmosphere, disrupting weather patterns.

One of the key consequences is global dimming, a phenomenon where particles from explosions scatter and absorb sunlight, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface. This may seem minor, but it can significantly alter local climate patterns, including rainfall. That is exactly what Lebanon is now experiencing—a drier winter than usual.

A Drier Winter, A Looming Crisis

Lebanon typically relies on winter rainfall to replenish mountain reservoirs, irrigate farmland, and maintain a steady water supply. However, this year has been drastically different. Precipitation levels have dropped by 50% compared to the annual average. This is not just a mild dry spell—it is a full-scale drought. Lebanon’s agricultural sector was already under strain due to climate change, and the added impact of war-related pollution has made farming nearly impossible.

Take the Bekaa Valley, for example. Known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity, it has been hit particularly hard. Farmers who once depended on consistent rainfall to irrigate their fields have watched their crops wither. Many have been left with no choice but to discard entire harvests—wheat, barley, vegetables—all lost. The toxic fallout from phosphorus bombs has further contaminated the soil, making it less fertile and even harder to cultivate in the coming seasons. What was once a reliable source of food and income for thousands has now become a barren landscape.

A War That Changed More Than Borders

The 2025 conflict in Lebanon did more than reshape political boundaries; it disrupted something even more fundamental—the climate. Lebanon was already struggling with the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. However, the war has exacerbated these challenges.

According to the UN Climate Report of 2025, Lebanon is now facing war-induced climate shifts. The altered atmosphere is likely to result in more extreme weather conditions and increasingly unpredictable seasons. These changes are not just a temporary setback; they are part of a larger crisis. With Lebanon already dealing with a water shortage, the situation is expected to deteriorate further in the coming years. Experts warn that agriculture will become even more difficult to sustain, and vital water resources will become increasingly scarce. As the pressure on Lebanon’s economy and its people intensifies, the worst part is that much of this crisis is beyond their control.

The Bigger Picture: What Happens Next?

Lebanon’s path forward is challenging, but not impossible. With the right combination of international aid, climate resilience initiatives, and reconstruction efforts, the country can begin to recover. However, Lebanon is not just dealing with the physical destruction left by the war; it is also facing the slow-burning consequences of climate change, which have been exacerbated by the conflict.

Ultimately, the fate of Lebanon’s climate and agricultural sector lies in the hands of both local leaders and the international community. Without urgent intervention, Lebanon risks a future marked by worsening water scarcity, agricultural collapse, and economic instability. However, through collaboration, adaptation, and sustainable practices, the country can begin to heal from the environmental devastation caused by the 2025 war.

Sources:

National Academy of Sciences Study on Global Dimming (2023)
ICRC Report on the Use of White Phosphorus in Warfare (2024)
UN Climate Change Report on Lebanon (2025)
Lebanese University of Agriculture Study on Water and Crop Management (2024)