Vietnam's Green Wounds from the Past

The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago, but its impact on the environment is still visible. The war left behind a damaged landscape. Coastal mangroves, once teeming with life, were destroyed. Forests that were home to many species were reduced to dry, barren patches. Invasive grasses took over, choking out local plants. The term "ecocide" was created to describe the US military's use of harmful chemicals and weapons. These included Agent Orange and napalm. The goal was to clear out jungles and marshes used by enemy forces. The long-term effects of these actions are still felt today. Vietnam's ecosystems are degraded, and soils and waters are contaminated with dioxin. Efforts to restore these damaged areas have been slow and limited. The war started long before US ground troops arrived in 1965. The US military faced a hidden enemy operating at night and from secret hideouts. To combat this, they turned to environmental modification technologies. The most famous of these was Operation Ranch Hand. This operation sprayed millions of gallons of herbicides over millions of acres of South Vietnam. The chemicals affected not just forests, but also rivers, rice fields, and villages. Both civilians and troops were exposed. More than half of the spraying involved Agent Orange, a defoliant contaminated with dioxin. Agent Orange was used to clear forests, increase visibility along roads, and destroy crops. The goal was to cut off supplies to guerrilla forces. However, the long-term effects on the environment and human health have been devastating. The war also led to new international treaties aimed at protecting the environment during conflicts. Yet, these treaties have not been effective in compelling post-war restoration, as seen in Vietnam and current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The slow recovery and neglect of Vietnam's damaged ecosystems are troubling. The war's environmental impact serves as a stark reminder of the lasting effects of conflict. It also highlights the need for more effective international laws and efforts to protect and restore the environment in war-torn areas. The situation in Vietnam shows that the scars of war can last for generations, affecting not just people, but also the natural world.