Voices Beyond Borders - Ecological Face of War (Module 4, teams 1-6) by Gabriela Ciolpan

Team 4 - Slavonski Brod, Trg Ivane Brlić Mažuranić, Slavonski Brod

ivana_opacak3 — 2026-02-17 17:25:10 UTC

Hepeful message: From the ashes of the war, let all cities (and our planet) rise with cleaner air, renewed hope and a peaceful sky for every generation.

The Croatian War of Independence, also called the Homeland War, took place from 1991 to 1995 after Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia. The war was fought between Croatian forces and the Yugoslav People’s Army, together with Serbian paramilitary groups. Many towns and villages were heavily damaged, and thousands of people were killed or forced to leave their homes.

The city of Slavonski Brod, located near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, was frequently bombed and heavily destroyed because of its strategic position, and many civilians there suffered during the attacks. The war had long-term effects on air quality. Many buildings burned, and explosions released harmful substances into the air. Even today, Slavonski Brod has serious air pollution problems. People in the city often complain about poor air quality, which affects their health and daily lives.

Photo: The main city square, Korzo, in Slavonski Brod

Khartoum, Sudan

busrasaban90 — 2026-03-22 20:09:25 UTC

Team 1. Sudan, Khartoum

Short description:

Conflict and instability in Khartoum have caused serious environmental damage. Fighting has destroyed homes, hospitals, and infrastructure, releasing dust and hazardous materials into the air. Damage to water and sanitation systems has led to contaminated water sources and limited access to clean drinking water. In addition, uncollected waste and debris have increased pollution, posing risks to both the environment and public health.

Image suggestion:

An AI-generated or copyright-free image of a war-damaged urban area in Khartoum, showing разрушed buildings, scattered debris, and a polluted environment.

Hopeful message / solution:

Through rebuilding efforts focused on sustainable infrastructure, improved sanitation, and access to clean water, communities in Khartoum can recover. International support and local initiatives can help restore the environment and create safer, healthier living conditions for future generations.

“Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders” Module 4 - Ecological Face of War Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:42:29 UTC

During the Korean War, heavy bombing destroyed forests, farmland, and infrastructure. Fires and explosions released greenhouse gases into the air. Large areas of land were left damaged and polluted. Wildlife populations decreased because their habitats were destroyed or divided by military zones.

“Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders”(Module 4 - Ecological Face of War)Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:46:21 UTC

The Vietnam War had a huge environmental impact. Forests were burned and sprayed with chemicals like Agent Orange. When forests disappear, the planet loses important “carbon sinks” — areas that absorb carbon dioxide. Many animal species lost their natural habitats, and biodiversity in the region was seriously reduced.

“Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders” (Module 4 - Ecological Face of War)Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:48:43 UTC

In 1991, during the Gulf War, oil wells in Kuwait were set on fire. Thick black smoke covered the sky for months. Millions of tons of carbon dioxide were released. Oil spills also polluted the sea, killing fish, birds, and marine animals. The natural environment needed many years to recover.

“Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders” (Module 4 - Ecological Face of War )Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:51:18 UTC

The Rwandan Civil War and the genocide that followed caused massive population displacement. Refugee camps were built near national parks. Forests were cut down for firewood and shelter. This led to habitat destruction and threatened endangered animals, including gorillas. Deforestation also reduced the area’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

“Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders " (Module 4 - Ecological Face of War )Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:53:18 UTC

The Iraq War required large-scale military operations. Tanks, aircraft, and military bases used enormous amounts of fossil fuels. Burning oil facilities released greenhouse gases. Wetlands and desert ecosystems were damaged, affecting bird species and other wildlife that depend on these fragile habitats.

Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders” (Module 4 - Ecological Face of War )Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:54:54 UTC

The Syrian Civil War caused destruction of cities, oil fields, and farmland. Fires and explosions increased air pollution and carbon emissions. Many farmers left their land, which changed natural landscapes. Wildlife habitats were damaged, and some species disappeared from certain areas.

“Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders” (Module 4 - Ecological Face of War )Team 2 - War & Climate Change

2026-04-04 13:56:34 UTC

The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War has caused forest fires, damaged industrial plants, and destroyed energy infrastructure. Explosions release greenhouse gases and toxic substances. Protected natural areas have been affected, and many wild animals have been forced to move or have died. Environmental experts warn that the climate impact of this war will be long-lasting.

Voices Beyond Words, Hearts Beyond Borders Module 4 Ecological Face of war - Team 1 War and Land

ritapalazzotto78 — 2026-04-22 18:40:02 UTC

The war in Sudan, which escalated in 2023 and continues through 2026, has carved a "toxic legacy" into the landscape that may outlast the political conflict. Beyond the immediate tragedy of human displacement, the ecological face of the war is one of systemic collapse, where the destruction of infrastructure and the desperation of survival are fueling a rapid environmental decline

Voices Beyond Words, Herats Beyond Borders- Module 4 Ecological Face of War - Team 5 War and Forests

ritapalazzotto78 — 2026-04-22 18:47:22 UTC

One of the most severely damaged sites in Ukraine is the Sviati Hory (Holy Mountains) National Nature Park in the Donetsk region. Known for its rare chalk cliffs and ancient pine forests along the Siverskyi Donets River, the park has been transformed into a wasteland of "burnt soil."

Before the full-scale invasion, Sviati Hory was a lush sanctuary. Reports indicate that 80% of the park has been destroyed. Of its massive pine forests, approximately 60–70% (roughly 50 km²) has been burned to the ground by shelling or clear-cut for military fortifications.

Voices Beyond Words, Herats Beyond Borders- Module 4 Ecological Face of War - Team 2 War and Climate

ritapalazzotto78 — 2026-04-22 18:56:14 UTC

If there is one place that embodies this environmental "war zone," it is the Gulf of Gabès. Historically home to a unique Mediterranean coastal oasis, Gabès has become a casualty of an industrial campaign that functions with the callousness of a siege.

The Groupe Chimique Tunisien (GCT) has for decades released nearly 16,000 tonnes of industrial waste daily directly into the sea. This carpet has effectively sterilized the marine ecosystem, turning a once-thriving fishing hub into a graveyard of heavy metals.