Environmental losses from Israeli attacks on Lebanon exceeded $512M in 2023-2024: Premier

Environmental damage caused by Israeli attacks on Lebanon exceeded $512 million in 2023 and 2024, with additional losses recorded in 2026, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Thursday. Addressing the COP31 UN climate summit in Türkiye's southern province of Antalya, Salam said successive wars, compounded by years of economic crisis, had devastated Lebanon's infrastructure, agricultural land, forests and ecosystems. “Environmental losses resulting from Israeli attacks in violation of international humanitarian law exceeded 512 million US dollars in 2023-2024, with further losses incurred in 2026,” he said.

The premier warned that the environmental consequences of the attacks will continue to affect ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities for years. He stressed that Lebanon's recovery must extend beyond rebuilding damaged homes and roads to include restoring farmland, rehabilitating ecosystems and reviving livelihoods. “Lebanon insists that environmental restoration and climate resilience be integral to reconstruction, alongside stability, the restoration of our sovereignty, and respect for international law,” he said.

COP31 opened in Antalya on Monday and runs through Nov. 20, bringing together world leaders and negotiators to discuss climate financing, adaptation and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.