UNEP supported countries struggling to cope with devastating environmental consequences caused by war and conflict. In Gaza, a landmark UNEP environmental assessment found that conflict has caused “unprecedented” levels of pollution, with sewage, debris and toxic munitions contaminating soil, water and the air. The report notes that environmental degradation is contributing to human suffering and risks irreversible damage to Gaza’s ecosystems. 

UNEP and the UN Development Programme are providing technical support as the people of Gaza attempt to clear and manage the estimated 50 million tonnes of debris. The project is expected to open key humanitarian access routes that would benefit up to 200,000 people and establish the first debris recycling centre in Gaza. 

This follows efforts in Mansuriya Village, Iraq, where more than 60,000 tonnes of conflict-related debris were removed, paving the way for hundreds of people to return home after almost a decade. Some of that rubble went into Iraq’s first road made from recycled debris. In 2024, the mobile debris system was handed over to Kirkuk Governate by UNEP and the International Organization for Migration as part of efforts to build long-term circularity. 

Meanwhile, experts deployed through the UNEP-UN Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs Joint Environment Unit supported seven countries as they navigated the aftermath of environmental disasters, including Ethiopia (landslides), Guinea (chemical explosion) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (hurricane). Last year marked the unit’s thirtieth anniversary. Since its launch, it has operated in 60 countries, conducting 45 environmental assessments and supporting 250 deployments of experts.