Environmental crisis in Gaza caused by gen0cide

June 16, 2024

Good morning. Remember that every day is a good day to stand in solidarity with Palestinians - especially when it comes to the damage Israel is doing to our shared planet.

LEARN. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only resulted in human suffering but has also had a profound impact on the environment. The emissions generated from Israel's war in Gaza have had an immense effect on the climate, contributing to the already critical global climate crisis. As of early January, 2024, the carbon cost of rebuilding Gaza's infrastructure is estimated to be at least 30 million metric tonnes of warming gases, a staggering figure equivalent to New Zealand’s annual CO2 emissions (see article in The Guardian, here).

The UN has pledged to undertake a field study of the environmental crisis (see article, here), which includes the serious effects of air and water pollution; untreated sewage and wastewater; and debris pollution, the hazards of working among rubble that contains human remains, asbestos, heavy metals, fire contaminants, unexploded ordnance, and hazardous chemicals.

NOTICE. What do you feel when you consider the interconnectedness of genocide and environmental crisis? Can you see how the disproportionate impact on the vulnerable community in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire?

ACT. Support both the Gaza Global University’s efforts to rebuild Gaza in the future and UNRWA’s efforts to provide urgent relief aid today.

SHARE. Think of at least 3 friends or colleagues who are concerned about the environment and share this information with them to raise awareness about the impact of genocide and the urgent need for climate action. Together, we can work towards a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.

ASK. What steps will you take to support Palestinian environmental recovery? Please reply to this email (or, if you are reading this online, leave a comment below) to let us know.*

In solidarity for Palestinian liberation,

Haya Sameer, contributor to the Shades of Anger collective

*You can also continue the conversation with us in the Speaking Up Network, a private social media platform co-created by Animah Kosai, one of the leaders of Shades of Anger.

Shades of Anger was created by a global collective of women to raise awareness and inspire action to free Palestine. We chose the name of our collective to honor the poem, “Shades of Anger,” by Palestinian-Canadian poet Rafeef Ziadah. We also believe in liberation for Sudan, the Congo, Haiti, and all places where systems of oppression are causing immense suffering and crushing the life out humans. We are led by women of the Global Majority/BIPOC. Shades of Anger is for everyone who wants to act for liberation and you can learn more about it here.