should hurting the environment be a war crime?

If a country harms the environment during a conflict, does that qualify as a war crime? An international group of scientists says yes. An open letter published this week proposes a new Geneva Convention to hold governments responsible for environmental damage in war zones.

why?

Right now, the United Nations is holding a meeting where it is considering ways to keep the environment safe during war. Scientists hope that their proposal will become a part of those efforts. In addition, a recent UN report found that one million species are now in danger of extinction. Species are becoming extinct at a much higher rate than at any time in the past ten million years.

what’s the bigger picture?

Discussion about the impact of war on nature and how to hold governments responsible for it isn’t new. The use of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War and the burning of oil wells in Iraq also prompted discussion about expanding the Geneva Convention, but nothing changed. Scientists hope that those in control of international law will take action this time.

read more at Vox

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