International Humanitarian Law and Environmental Protection

Abstract

The environmental consequences of armed conflict have grown increasingly severe in the modern era, prompting renewed debate regarding the adequacy of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in safeguarding natural ecosystems during warfare. While IHL was historically designed to protect human life and limit suffering, its provisions now intersect with global environmental concerns, climate change vulnerabilities, and long-term ecological degradation. This research paper examines the capacity of IHL to protect the environment during armed conflicts, evaluates existing legal instruments, and identifies gaps that hinder effective implementation. Through a descriptive, analytical approach, the study highlights the evolution of environmental considerations within IHL, reviews relevant treaties such as Additional Protocol I and the ENMOD Convention, and analyzes contemporary challenges including enforcement difficulties, definitional ambiguities, and the increasing environmental impacts of modern warfare. Findings show that although IHL provides foundational protections, significant limitations persist, making strengthened legal frameworks and improved enforcement mechanisms essential for environmental preservation in armed conflict.