New research reveals that the global warming emissions generated during the first two months of the Gaza war were greater than the annual carbon footprint of more than 20 of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. The vast majority (more than 99% of the 281,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2 equivalent) ₂ ) estimated to have been produced in the first 60 days after the October 7 Hamas attack can be attributed to the Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion of Gaza, according to the first analysis of its kind conducted by researchers in the UK and US. According to the study, which is based on only a handful of carbon-intensive activities and is therefore likely a significant underestimate, the climate cost of the first 60 days of Israel's military response was equivalent to burning at least 150,000 tons of coal. The analysis, which still needs to be assessed, includes CO ₂ from air missions, tanks and fuel from other vehicles, as well as emissions from the manufacture and explosion of bombs, artillery and missiles. It does not include other global warming gases such as methane. Almost half of total CO emissions ₂ were responsible for American cargo planes transporting military supplies to Israel. (Nina Lakhani, the Guardian)