Introduction

Environmental hot spots are sites whose conditions pose a serious risk to the health and safety of local communities. These conditions can be caused by the release of toxic chemicals during the bombing of infrastructure and industrial sites, by the presence of depleted uranium weaponry and landmines, or by the creation of vast quantities of rubble and waste during conflicts. Remediation of conditions at these sites can build confidence between communities, reinforce government legitimacy, and provide short-term employment for excombatants. These potentially important peacebuilding benefits deserve more focused attention. At the same time, it is important to recognize that hot spot remediation is especially challenging in post-conflict situations where laws and governance are weak, social relations are divisive, and capacity to handle hazardous waste is poor.