Nanotechnology and Military Attacks on Photosynthesis

Abstract

Advancing scientific knowledge regarding the photosynthetic process at a molecular level has raised the possibility of widespread artificial photosynthetic projects in the future, for example, for large-scale or ‘off-grid’ renewable energy and food production. The value that these projects would have to states and the global community, attracts the possibility that artificial photosynthesis, and the photosynthetic process in general, may become ‘direct’ military targets. This chapter explores the extent to which the existing principles of the law of armed conflict, international environmental law and the ENMOD Convention are capable of regulating a direct attack on natural or artificial photosynthesis. In particular, it examines whether the basic principles of international environmental law prohibit direct manipulation of natural or artificial photosynthesis and are applicable during warfare. It then analyses whether natural photosynthesis may be protected from direct military attack under Articles 35(3) and 55 of Additional Protocol I or under the ENMOD Convention.