Armed Conflict & Environmental Health




The Armed Conflict & Environmental Health Special Interest Group (SIG) brings together researchers, practitioners, and partners working on the environmental and health impacts of conflict, occupation, and systematic insecurity.

The group focuses on civilian exposures, ecosystem damage, and environmental justice, recognizing that environmental degradation is both a driver and consequence of conflict.

About the SIG


Definition


Mission


Get Involved


Armed Conflict & Environmental Health SIG 

The Special Interest Group (SIG) on Armed Conflict & Environmental Health addresses how armed conflict, occupation, and chronic insecurity disrupt environmental systems, increase toxic exposures, and deepen health inequities. The focus extends beyond battlefield casualties to the long-term environmental health footprint of conflict.

Leadership:

Chair: Manolis Kogevinas

Co-Chair: Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou

Point of Contact: aceh@iseepi.org

Definition & Scope of Conflict 

  • Includes organized violence, occupation, systemic insecurity, and post-conflict conditions.
  • Covers acute, protracted, and recovery phases.
  • Focuses on civilian impacts, infrastructure failure, environmental degradation, and cumulative exposures.
  • Alignes with principles of equity and environmental justice.

Why This Framing Matters

  • Highlights the environmental drivers and consequences of conflict.
  • Broadens inquiry beyond traditional conflict definitions (e.g., based on battle deaths).
  • Emphasizes exposure pathways, ecosystem collapse, and infrastructure disruption that affect civilian health.

Mission 

To advance scientific understanding, ethical research, and global collaboration on the environmental and health impacts of conflict, and support evidence-based strategies for protection, accountability, and recovery.

Governance Documents

Definitions and Aims: See here.

Upcoming Webinars/Events


Upcoming Webinars:

  • Environmental Health Consequences of Military Interventions in Iraq: December 10, 2025, 2:30 PM EST (find time in your location here) 
    • Speakers & Moderator: Dr. Wael Al-Delaimy, University of California, San Diego and Dr. Kali Rubaii, Purdue University & Dr. Ellen Wells, Purdue University

Register Here


SIG Publications

Manolis Kogevinas, Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, Amira Aker, Anass Houdou, Stephanie Grady, Aziza Menouni, Youssef Oulhote, Beate Ritz, Ellen M Wells and Wael Al-Delaimy (2025). Why Scientists Must Engage: Environmental Health in Times of Armed Conflict. International Journal of Public Health. https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1609353/abstract

Get Involved 

While formal participation in the SIG requires ISEE membership, we also welcome interest from external collaborators who work in conflict-affected regions, conduct relevant research, or have access to meaningful data or partnerships.

  • The SIG focuses on conflict-exposed regions where environmental and health data may be available, including Gaza, Ukraine, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and potentially Syria, Pakistan, and India, and other armed conflict-afflicted areas.

If you are an ISEE member and would like to join this initiative, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/zbsL2inETynSbhZg9

If you are not an ISEE member but are interested in becoming a collaborator and would like to stay connected or express interest in future engagement with the SIG, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/ivD1rgVdi75Su4NK8

* required