Gaza Cleanup Efforts May Generate 90,000 Tonnes of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Long relegated to the background of war assessments, the pollution generated by conflicts begins to emerge as a crucial marker of their overall impact. In Gaza, the satellite data crossed to carbon calculation models reveal an unprecedented reality, where massive destruction “accompanies a vertiginous climate load. The carbon footprint of Gaza is no longer limited to a simple secondary consequence, but becomes an object of measure in its own right, which questions our way of thinking of reconstruction and environmental responsibility in wartime.

When space data reveals the extent of destruction

Scientists today have tools capable of accurately mapping the scars left by conflicts. Gaza, a dense and besieged territory, has become an unprecedented study case. Thanks to high -resolution satellite images combined with deep learning models, a team of researchers estimated that nearly 59 million tonnes of rubble covered the territory at the end of 2024. This analysis was made possible by crossing the height of buildings, the ground surface and their level of destruction observed by satellite, according to a study published in Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability.

Modeling was based on open data, notably from the United Center Satellite United Nations. The researchers have established that completely destroyed buildings produce an average of almost 382 tonnes of debris, a figure that falls to 549 tonnes for moderately damaged, but more massive structures. Gaza thus concentrates an exceptional density of ruins per square meter, with an estimate of up to 142 kilos of debris per square meter throughout the territory.

This approach makes it possible to objectify the extent of the damage in a context where access to the field remains limited. It also provides key data to think of reconstruction and environmental compensation policies.

Gaza and its carbon footprint: calculations, hypotheses and projections

Transforming these tons of debris into a carbon equivalent mobilizes a complex chain of calculations. According to researchers from the University of Edinburgh, the only transport of rubble to discharges could produce more than 65,000 tonnes of CO₂, taking into account the back and forth of trucks on a largely destroyed road network. These estimates are based on a emission factor of 172.1 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, suitable for heavy vehicles operating in urban areas.

The grinding of materials represents another significant source of emissions. The fastest scenario, involving 50 industrial grinders capable of treating 400 tonnes per hour, would lead to a issue of 2,975 tonnes of CO₂ over six months. In the absence of such machines, the use of small crushers already used in Gaza would extend the duration of treatment to over 37 years, with a carbon footprint multiplied by eight. This projection, detailed in the study led by Samer Abdelnour, recalls that access to heavy equipment remains blocked by the restrictions imposed on imports in the Gaza Strip.

According to another study, the combination of transport, crushing and complete reconstruction of infrastructure could increase the total to more than 31 million tonnes of CO₂. This figure exceeds the annual emissions of countries such as Costa Rica and Estonia gathered.

A major scientific challenge to anticipate long -term effects

The quantification of the carbon footprint of conflict in Gaza is based on a constantly evolving methodology. The analytical framework, known as Scope 3+, incorporates the indirect emissions linked to soil damage, the destruction of infrastructure, the rewriting of humanitarian aid and reconstruction. This model is used by an international team of researchers quoted, which intends to fill the gaps in official climatic assessments, where military emissions remain largely absent.

The stake is not limited to figures. It also concerns the way in which this data can support environmental policies, repair requests and resilience planning. The use of satellite images and geographic information systems offers a reliable basis to identify priority areas, assess the necessary logistics load and anticipate impacts on public health. The report also stresses that the presence of asbestos, heavy metals and unplodced ammunition increases health risks, not to mention the emissions of fine particles caused by machines.

This approach opens the way to better integration of environmental dimensions in conflict management. By enlightening the technological choices to come, it also makes it possible to rethink the reconstruction standards in a world where war and climate are increasingly intertwined.