Protection of the Environment During War The Need for a Clear Department of Defense Policy
Abstract
Damage to the environment during war has been a problem for centuries. This damage has increased with each passing decade, until modern times when the potential for extensive and long-lasting damage to the environment is significant. The world community has attempted to provide protection to the environment during war through the Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Convention of 1949. Over 150 countries throughout the world abide by this treaty. Despite the United States' expressed desire to be a leader of the world in environmental stewardship, it has signed, but not ratified this agreement. This places the US in an ambiguous position and military commanders in a complex and confusing situation. Internally inconsistent guidance and doctrine from the National Command Authority through Service level complicate this issue. This paper explores this risky situation in detail and proposes a solution. The proposed solution is an Executive Order directing the military to comply with the environmental provisions of the Protocol I additions to the Geneva Convention, while reserving the right to approve military actions that would violate the terms of this treaty. This would resolve the internal consistencies that place military commanders in unnecessarily complex and risky situations and promote the US desire to be good stewards of the environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA376012
Entities
People
- John R. Luce
Organizations
- United States Army War College