Acid rain, toxic water & tonnes of CO2: The hidden cost of the Iran war
Apr 20, 2026 •
The images coming out of the US-Israeli-led war in Iran have been described as apocalyptic.
Oil depots have burned for days. Strikes have hit petrochemical facilities and the area around the Bushehr nuclear power plant. In Tehran, toxic black smoke has blanketed the city, with residents reporting black acid rain falling from the sky.
After thousands of missile and drone strikes, Iran and parts of the Gulf are facing not only a humanitarian and economic crisis, but an environmental one too.
Analysts estimate that, in the first 30 days of the war, almost 9 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were released into the atmosphere.
Today, Dr Patrick Bigger, the interim executive director of the Climate and Community Institute, on the long-term environmental cost of this war – and why some are calling these strikes ‘ecocide’.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Acid rain, toxic water & tonnes of CO2: The hidden cost of the Iran war
1885 • Apr 20, 2026
Acid rain, toxic water & tonnes of CO2: The hidden cost of the Iran war
The images coming out of the US-Israeli-led war in Iran have been described as apocalyptic.
Oil depots have burned for days. Strikes have hit petrochemical facilities and the area around the Bushehr nuclear power plant. In Tehran, toxic black smoke has blanketed the city, with residents reporting black acid rain falling from the sky.
After thousands of missile and drone strikes, Iran and parts of the Gulf are facing not only a humanitarian and economic crisis, but an environmental one too.
Analysts estimate that, in the first 30 days of the war, almost 9 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were released into the atmosphere.
Today, Dr Patrick Bigger, the interim executive director of the Climate and Community Institute, on the long-term environmental cost of this war – and why some are calling these strikes ‘ecocide’.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Research director of the Climate and Community Project, Dr Patrick Bigger.
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