ecological warfare

• Utilisation délibérée de la destruction ou de la manipulation de l'environnement comme arme dans un conflit, par exemple la déforestation, l'empoisonnement des sources d'eau ou l'infliction de dommages écologiques à long terme pour nuire à l'adversaire.

The deliberate use of environmental destruction or manipulation as a weapon of conflict, such as defoliating forests, poisoning water supplies, or causing long-term ecological damage to harm an enemy.

1. Intentional environmental destructionC1formal

   The deliberate use of environmental damage or manipulation as a weapon to harm an enemy, disrupt ecosystems, or gain a strategic advantage.

   guerre écologique

   • The use of defoliants in the jungle was an act of ecological warfare.
   • Some nations have been accused of practicing ecological warfare by polluting shared water sources.
   • International treaties aim to prevent the use of ecological warfare tactics.

2. Conflict causing environmental harmC1formal

   A broader term for armed conflicts that result in severe, long-term damage to the natural environment, often as a side effect.

   guerre écologique

   • The oil well fires during the war were a form of ecological warfare.
   • Ecological warfare can devastate biodiversity for decades.
   • Scientists study the long-term effects of ecological warfare on climate.