Are there any rules protecting the environment in times of conflict?
Business enterprises may have an impact on the environment in a variety of ways, whether directly through their operations or indirectly through the way their products or services are used. On the other hand, conflicts often have an undesirable impact on the environment. Heightened managerial care with regard to environmental issues is therefore required from business enterprises operating in conflict zones. International humanitarian law contains rules intended to limit damage to the environment. For instance, it specifically prohibits forms of warfare that may be expected to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment [Article 35(3) AP I]. Furthermore, the rules of international humanitarian law for determining whether something is a military target also protect the environment. Incidental environmental consequences of an attack against a military target must also be considered and weighed against the military benefit of destroying the target in question.
Related Questions
- How many times may an employee volunteer for military duty covered under the CS Rules governing military leave? May these requests be denied?
- Are there certain factors in the environment that make problems worse, especially at times of conflict?
- Are there any rules protecting the environment in times of conflict?
