Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks: UXO and the Climate Crisis
In an ever-changing world, where technology continues to evolve and environmental conditions grow increasingly unpredictable, the issue of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is becoming even more significant.
The climate crisis, characterised by extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and shifting environmental patterns, presents a growing risk to public safety and infrastructure. From flooding that dislodges long-buried munitions to wildfires that detonate unexploded bombs, the impact of climate change is making UXO clearance more complex and urgent.
Unpredictable weather patterns: a catalyst for UXO hazards
As global temperatures climb, weather patterns are becoming more erratic, bringing frequent droughts, storms, and wildfires. These environmental changes are not only affecting ecosystems – they are also unearthing and dispersing UXO, creating new and unforeseen dangers.
For example, heavy rainfall and flash flooding can dislodge buried ordnance, causing it to migrate to new locations. This can lead to UXO washing downstream, resurfacing in populated areas, or contaminating farmland. In some cases, dislodged UXO has been found on public beaches or in residential areas, posing a direct threat to local communities.
In flood-prone regions, the contamination of soil and groundwater by degrading ordnance is another growing concern. As munitions corrode over time, they can release toxic chemicals into the environment, affecting agricultural land and water supplies. This makes UXO not only a direct physical threat but also a long-term environmental hazard.
Cambodia: a case study in UXO migration
Cambodia is one of the most heavily UXO-contaminated countries in the world, with millions of landmines and unexploded bombs still scattered across its landscape. Increasing tropical storms and severe flooding regularly displace UXO, carrying it into new areas. This unpredictable migration makes it even more difficult for mine clearance teams to accurately map and mark contaminated zones, endangering civilians and hampering agricultural development.
New hazard zones: the hidden consequence of climate change
One of the most significant challenges presented by the climate crisis is the emergence of UXO in previously uncontaminated areas. As floods, landslides, and shifting watercourses carry ordnance into new regions, hazardous zones can appear without warning. These areas often lack the signage, fencing, or public awareness campaigns typically seen in known UXO hotspots, making them even more dangerous.
With climate change expected to worsen in the coming decades, more regions are likely to face similar challenges, making UXO risk management a growing priority worldwide.
Extreme heat and UXO: a volatile combination
Rising global temperatures are also increasing the risk posed by UXO, particularly in regions affected by historical conflicts. Heatwaves and prolonged high temperatures can weaken the structural integrity of munitions, making them more unstable and prone to accidental detonation.
In areas such as Iraq and Syria, where desert temperatures frequently exceed 40°C, ageing ordnance left over from decades of conflict is becoming increasingly volatile. In some cases, UXO have detonated spontaneously due to the intense heat, creating a serious hazard for local populations and clearance teams.
The impact on World War II-era UXO
Even in Europe, where UXO from the World Wars is still regularly uncovered, rising temperatures are exacerbating the risks. In Germany, where large quantities of Allied and Nazi munitions remain buried, summer heatwaves have made UXO more sensitive to environmental triggers. Bomb disposal units have reported an increase in accidental detonations during hot weather, highlighting the growing danger posed by temperature fluctuations.
Wildfires and UXO: a dangerous fusion
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to prolonged droughts and rising temperatures. When these fires spread to areas contaminated with UXO, they create a deadly combination.
Extreme heat from the fire can trigger buried munitions, causing them to detonate unexpectedly. This not only places firefighting crews at risk but also makes it difficult to control the spread of the fire. The resulting explosions can scatter shrapnel, ignite new fires, and release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
Real-world incidents: wildfires igniting UXO
- Ukraine (2020): During wildfires in eastern Ukraine, flames swept through areas still contaminated with UXO from previous conflicts. The heat caused unexploded shells to detonate, making the fire even more dangerous and complicating firefighting efforts.
- Salisbury Plain, UK (2022): During a series of wildfires, firefighting crews were unable to access parts of Salisbury Plain due to the presence of UXO. The risk of ordnance detonation prevented emergency teams from tackling the fires directly.
- Germany (2022): In a forest south of Berlin, wildfires reached a former munitions storage site. The intense heat triggered repeated UXO explosions, forcing firefighters to retreat and leaving the blaze unchecked.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of UXO in the face of the climate crisis, as well as the need for specialised response strategies in contaminated areas.
Adapting to the challenge: UXO clearance in a changing climate
The growing influence of the climate crisis on UXO contamination has prompted the sector to adapt its practices and priorities.
At Brimstone, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our UXO clearance operations. As a carbon neutral company, certified by Carbon Neutral Britain™, we actively offset and reduce our emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
We also incorporate sustainable methodologies into our clearance processes, such as:
- Using energy-efficient equipment to reduce fuel consumption during surveys and clearance.
- Adopting low-impact techniques to minimise disruption to local ecosystems during UXO disposal.
- Incorporating remote sensing technology to reduce the need for invasive land disruption, preserving natural habitats.
Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our mission to create safer environments, protecting both people and the planet.
Safety tips for communities in climate-impacted regions
For those living in areas affected by both climate events and UXO, staying informed and vigilant is essential. Here are some practical safety tips:
- Avoid flood-affected areas: After heavy rainfall or flooding, avoid walking or working in areas where UXO may have been displaced.
- Report suspicious objects: If you encounter a suspicious item, do not touch or disturb it. Instead, mark the location (if safe to do so) and report it to local authorities immediately.
- Stay informed during wildfires: If you live in a region with historical UXO contamination, be aware that wildfires could ignite buried munitions. Follow evacuation orders and avoid entering previously contaminated areas.
- Support local safety campaigns: Participate in community education programmes that raise awareness about UXO risks and safety protocols.
Brimstone’s risk mitigation services
At Brimstone, we provide expert UXO risk mitigation services to protect your projects and communities. Our services include:
- Risk assessments
- Land and marine UXO surveys
- Clearance and disposal operations
- Consultancy and safety training
If your project is in an area at risk of UXO exposure, our experienced team can provide tailored solutions to ensure the safety of your site and workforce.
Get in touch with our commercial team or use our online tool to find the right service for your needs.
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