Salam highlights environmental toll of Israeli war on Lebanon at UN climate summit

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Thursday at the U.N. climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, that Lebanon's climate challenges are inextricably linked to its ongoing geopolitical and economic struggles, citing the environmental impacts of the Israeli war on south Lebanon.

Salam said years of financial crisis have weakened Lebanon's institutions and public facilities, while successive wars have caused widespread destruction affecting infrastructure, agricultural lands, forests, and ecosystems.

"Recovery cannot be limited to rebuilding homes and roads but must include reclaiming agricultural lands, rehabilitating ecosystems, and reviving livelihoods," he added.