45 - Treaty on Militarism, the Environment and Development Preamble 1.
Military activity destroys life, wreaks havoc on the environment and depletes resources.
A complete, general and environmentally sound demilitarization, free from nuclear weapons and nuclear waste and free from regional conflicts and military dictatorships is imperative. Poverty and hunger generate tensions and pressure which can only be perpetuated by military oppression. Militarization originating in economic exploitation and in all forms of domination, including patriarchal systems, destroys the Earth and the various forms of life on it. Militarism, during periods of war and peace has an immensely negative impact on the environment, as it uses up the natural and human resources needed for economic and social development. There is an urgent need for demilitarization, for the abolition of war and for a lasting world peace.