World War II had significant indirect effects on climate change primarily through industrial activities and technological advancements. During the war, there was a massive increase in industrial production to support military efforts. This led to heightened emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, from factories and increased use of fossil fuels for transportation and energy production.

Moreover, the war spurred technological developments such as aviation and vehicle manufacturing, which accelerated the burning of fossil fuels. The widespread use of aircraft and tanks also led to substantial emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to environmental impacts.

Additionally, wartime deforestation and land-use changes, driven by the need for resources and strategic advantages, further altered local and regional climates. These changes, while not immediately recognized as contributing to climate change during the war itself, set precedents for post-war industrial growth and global economic expansion, laying the groundwork for long-term environmental impacts.

Overall, World War II’s industrial mobilization and technological advancements significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions and set in motion patterns of resource consumption and environmental degradation that would continue to influence climate change in the decades following the war.