Syria is a country in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea that shares borders with Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Israel. In terms of size (land) it is comparable to Washington State with a population sitting at about 22 million.(Encyclopedia) Syria has a very diverse ecosystem and climate as it is in the smallest temperate zone in the world, the Mediterranean. This mild and humid climate allowed for good growing seasons and fertile land but as of lately this is all being destroyed due to war.(Brittanica, 2016)

 

Much of Syria's natural vegetation has been depleted by farming, livestock grazing, and cutting of trees for firewood and construction in these desperate times. The lush forests that used to cover the western shores of Syria have been completely wiped out.(Encyclopedia) The forests that did exist near the coast are being destroyed in order to provide for the war which is just turning this limited area for natural resources into more deserted land.

 

Another environmental issue that is coupled with this is deforestation is the destruction to their very modest coast line from oil spills. With oil being such a sought after natural resource, an illegal business has been formed to fund both sides of this brutal war. Unskilled rebels and civilians are using hazardous chemicals and primitive techniques leading to pollution in soil, water, and air. All of this has long term effects on the ones affected, common ailments include persistent coughs and chemical burns that have the potential to lead to tumors.(Both, 2014) However, the depletion and carelessness with natural resources is the least of Syria’s current problems.

 

The country of Syria is currently in a very war torn state, with multiple bombings taking place each and every day. Destruction to most of residential and commercial areas in a good majority of cities across the country has led to many public health problems. Families are left without roofs over their heads leaving them to face the elements and all the health hazards that come with that.(Both, 2014) Not to mention the infrastructure like running water has been sacrificed leaving many without life’s most crucial nutrient. Sewage is also something that has been pushed to the side which is an immediate threat of communicable diseases. Even with all this destruction they do from exploding, bombs and other ammunitions are still a threat long after they were fired.

 

The amount of ammunition and artillery shells that have been fired during this crisis is something a number cannot be put to. With that being said, that is unfathomably large amounts of heavy metals and energetic materials that are being pounded into the ground contaminating the water, soil, and air even more. These metals and energized materials can then cause mental illness, cancer, and death. (klinghardt) All of the listed potential ailments require treatments, yet accessing hospitals is a problem in itself.

 

Over 5 million people, 2 million of which are children, live in such rural parts of the country accessing healthcare or hospitals in a time like this is next to impossible. (Pignataro, 2017) The distance and means of travel are just not compatible and if you can make it to the next closest city, you still may not find a hospital. The city of Aleppo for example had its 8 standing hospitals damaged, leaving only 7 doctors in the city to care for 25,000 people. (Pignataro, 2017)

 

As you can imagine all of these environmental problems have caused a serious public health concern across the country. Its once diverse and sustainable terrain, is now becoming more and more of a dry arid desert. They are exploiting the natural resources that are left and polluting the rest of the environment in the process. The explosives themselves that are used in this war are countless and the toxic military materials that are left behind can cause a number of diseases. And ultimately, someone needing health care is going to be hard pressed to find it as a majority of the country lives out of distance to hospitals, and many doctors have already fled anyways.