Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

What can innovative methods of policy instruments for pollution control teach us about natural resource issues caused by military conflict in the international context? Whether from weapons of mass destruction used in the Second World War or IoT drone equipment used today, military conflict has precipitated advances in technology that have led to legacy pollution in areas across the world. The issue of pollution and related impacts on natural resources are not distributed equally, however, as those residing in low- and middle-income countries have experienced an inequitable portion of environmental burdens from military activity. An analysis of the international issue reveals the importance of addressing policy instruments and related methods within the context of the associated governing bodies as well as acknowledging how policy-making capabilities regarding potential military pollution are often not provided to those impacted most by war. The research shows that, when considering command-and-control policy instruments as the primary method for war-time decision-making, the most effective coercive policies to reduce military-caused natural resource issues and long-term environmental human health impacts include the methods of acknowledging the sovereignty of low- and middle-income countries, prioritizing equity within the policy-making process, and implementing effective performance-based standards.