Everything Everywhere Daily: “Zone Rouge and the Iron Harvest (Encore)” – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media

Introduction to the Episode

In this encore episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into the enduring legacy of the First World War, particularly focusing on the regions in Belgium and France that continue to bear the scars of one of humanity's most devastating conflicts. The episode explores two significant phenomena: Zone Rouge and the Iron Harvest, illustrating how the war's impact remains palpable on the very landscapes where it was fought.

The Unparalleled Devastation of World War I

Gary begins by contextualizing the unparalleled brutality of the First World War, emphasizing its distinction from previous conflicts.

“The First World War was different. There were new weapons that had never been used in combat before.” ([05:15])

He highlights the industrial scale of weapon manufacturing, noting the sheer volume of artillery used:

“In just the first day of the Battle of Verdun, the Germans fired over a million artillery rounds.” ([07:30])

Comparisons are drawn to illustrate the intensity:

“Before the Battle of Messines, the British fired off 3.5 million rounds.” ([08:45])

The episode underscores the relentless nature of the warfare, with estimates indicating that between 900 million to 1.75 billion artillery shells were fired during the war. The sheer density of explosives is captured in the staggering figure:

“On the Western Front, there was an estimated 1 metric ton of explosives fired for every square meter of territory.” ([12:20])

Zone Rouge: A Decade-Long Curse

Transitioning to the environmental aftermath, Gary introduces Zone Rouge, the most severely affected areas declared unsafe for habitation.

“The French government declared some areas to be dangerous and advised people to be careful. These were known as Yellow and Blue Zones.” ([15:10])

He elaborates on the criteria that led to the designation of Zone Rouge:

“Damage to properties 100%. Damage to agriculture 100%. Impossible to clean human life impossible.” ([18:05])

Causes of Zone Rouge's Devastation:

1. Chemical Contamination: Residues from chemical weapons like mustard gas have permeated the soil and groundwater, leading to persistent toxicity.

   “Traces of chemicals that still show up in the groundwater... believed to have come from the residue from mustard gas used during the war.” ([21:40])

2. Heavy Metal Pollution: Components such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and zinc from munitions remain in the soil at toxic levels, hindering vegetation growth even after a century.

   “Some small areas in the Red Zone have arsenic levels so high that trees still can't grow a century after the war.” ([23:15])

Iron Harvest: The Ongoing Battle with Unexploded Ordnance

One of the most alarming legacies of World War I is the Iron Harvest—the annual collection of unexploded artillery shells that continue to surface.

“The annual collection of all of these unexploded shells is known as the iron harvest.” ([27:30])

Key Points on Iron Harvest:

• Volume and Distribution: With over a billion artillery shells fired, an estimated 300 million remain as duds, scattered across northern France and southern Belgium.

  “In the worst areas of the Red Zone, it contains about 120 unexploded shells in just the top 15 centimeters of topsoil in every acre.” ([30:50])

• Handling and Safety Measures: Both France and Belgium have specialized departments—Departmente du Demenage and Belgian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (dovo)—dedicated to managing and disposing of these dangerous remnants.

  “Every year, both organizations will handle the controlled elimination of 150 to 200 metric tons of these antique explosives.” ([34:10])

• Casualties and Risks: Despite a century passing, unexploded ordnance remains a lethal threat, causing over 1,000 deaths since the war's end. Modern agricultural and construction activities occasionally trigger these munitions, leading to tragic accidents.

  “Since the end of the war, there have been over 1,000 people that have been killed from unexploded munitions.” ([37:25])

• Chemical Threats: Beyond explosive shells, chemical canisters pose severe health risks. Exposure to residual chemicals like mustard gas requires immediate and specialized handling.

  “Farmers have had to get treatment for exposure to the contents when chemical weapon canisters were ruptured.” ([40:00])

The Futility of Complete Cleanup

Gary addresses the monumental challenge of fully eradicating these remnants of war:

“With hundreds of millions of unexploded rounds, it's conservatively estimated that it will take somewhere between 300 and 700 years for France and Belgium to be free of unexploded ordnance.” ([42:45])

The persistent presence of these munitions serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of war can linger far beyond its conclusion, affecting future generations long after the original conflict has faded into history.

Concluding Insights: The Enduring Legacy of War

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the broader implications of Zone Rouge and the Iron Harvest:

“The lesson of Zone Rouge and the Iron Harvest is that modern wars don't just end. The last casualty of the Great War may be someone who was born hundreds of years after the conflict ended.” ([45:30])

Gary emphasizes the necessity of remembrance and the importance of addressing the long-term impacts of warfare on both human populations and the environment.

Final Thoughts

“Zone Rouge and the Iron Harvest (Encore)” serves as a poignant exploration of how the First World War continues to shape the present landscape of Europe. By shedding light on the environmental devastation and the hazardous legacy of unexploded ordnance, Gary Arndt underscores the profound and lasting consequences of human conflict. This episode not only educates listeners about historical events but also prompts reflection on the ongoing responsibilities we bear in the aftermath of war.

Note:
This summary omits sponsorship messages and non-content segments to focus solely on the informative aspects of the episode. For listeners interested in further discussions or supporting the show, links to Everything Everywhere Daily's Patreon, Facebook group, and Discord server are available in the show's notes.