Environmental Damage of the War in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has left tens of thousands of people dead, destroyed homes, and created millions of refugees, but it has also caused severe environmental damage, Ukrainian Environment Minister Svitlana Hryntchuk told the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, reported German news agency (dpa).
Estimated Environmental Damage
The environmental damage caused by military operations following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 is estimated at US$71 billion, Hryntchuk said on Tuesday.
Carbon Emissions
In addition, an additional 180 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been released into the atmosphere due to shelling and forest fires, she said.
Forest Destruction
According to the minister, roughly three million hectares of forest have been destroyed by the war, while some 139,000 square kilometres of Ukraine have been contaminated by explosive residues.
Refugees and CO2 Emissions
“More than six million Ukrainians were forced to temporarily seek refuge in various European countries, resulting in an additional 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,“ she said.
Consistency with Previous Study
The figures on CO2 emissions are consistent with those of a study conducted in June by a Ukrainian non-governmental organisation, which found emissions of CO2 reached 175 million tonnes during the first 24 months since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian President’s Call for Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the 1,000th day of the Russian war on Tuesday, calling for greater efforts to push Moscow towards “a just peace”.
Climate Financing Demands
Developing countries are collectively demanding that industrialised nations mobilise at least US$1.3 billion annually for climate financing – 13 times more than the current amount – at the talks in Azerbaijan. The two-week UN summit is scheduled to conclude on Nov 22.
Conclusion
The war in Ukraine has not only resulted in devastating human loss and displacement but also severe environmental damage. The estimated cost of this damage is staggering, and the release of massive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere is a major concern. As the international community continues to grapple with the consequences of the war, it is essential to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development.
FAQs
Q: What is the estimated environmental damage caused by the war in Ukraine?
A: The environmental damage is estimated at US$71 billion.
Q: How much CO2 has been released into the atmosphere due to the war?
A: An additional 180 million tonnes of CO2 have been released into the atmosphere due to shelling and forest fires.
Q: How many hectares of forest have been destroyed by the war?
A: Roughly three million hectares of forest have been destroyed by the war.
Q: How many square kilometres of Ukraine have been contaminated by explosive residues?
A: Some 139,000 square kilometres of Ukraine have been contaminated by explosive residues.
Q: What is the demand for climate financing?
A: Developing countries are demanding that industrialised nations mobilise at least US$1.3 billion annually for climate financing – 13 times more than the current amount.