Tuesday, April 5ThThe governor of Luhansk Oblast, eastern Ukraine, posted a photo of anorange plumeOnTelegram. It was caused by a Russian strike on an nitric acid-filled tank.
Nitric acid can be used to make ammonium-nitrate, which is a major component of fertilizers. It is also used to produce explosives such as nitroglycerin (TNT) and trinitrotoluene. Governor Serhiy Hadidai warned Rubizhne city residents about the dangers of inhaling this highly corrosive acid plume. Nitric acid can cause severe chemical burns quickly if it comes in contact with skin.
Haidai also stated, that the nitric Acid would not pose a threat to the environment if it rains. There are still questions about the volume of nitric acids in the container, how much will be absorbed by soil, plants, trees, groundwater, and the effects on wildlife. The manufacturing of nitric acidsReleasesNitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas, is introduced into the atmosphere. It is 265 times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide.
This is not just a humanitarian crisis.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was notified by Ukraine officials on the same date, 523 miles to Chernobyl’s northwest.IAEA) that the country started resuming regulatory control at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The facility was taken over by the Russian troops in February, at the beginning of the invasion. However, the troops fled to Belarus on Thursday March 31.st. TheIAEAReports that Russian forces were exposed to high levels of radiation while in the Chernobyl Exclusion Area have not been confirmed. Ukraines defense ministryTweet,Russian occupiers left Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Two reasons are key: losses due to [Ukraine]Radiation exposure and the Army
There have been many other.TweetsTo support this claim, Russian troops dug trenches. This includes video from a drone that flew over the Chernobyl exclusion area.
The IAEA confirms Russian soldiers were exposed while digging into and fortifying Chernobyl. They could have suffered from Acute Radiological Syndrome (ARS), which is an acute illness that results from irradiation of the whole bodyor most of the bodywith a high doseof penetrating radiation in a short time. Usually, it takes only minutes. According to theCDCThe three classic ARS syndromes are: Bone marrow and Gastrointestinal (or GI) and Cardiovascular (CV/Central Nervous System.
The environmental effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine are only two examples of the many. While the world should be focused on the humanitarian disaster this war has caused but its ecological consequences are also part of the story. Research shows that the Ukrainian people will pay the price.
Experts and scholars have comparable information from the global War on Terror. TheWar CostsThe Project, which is housed at Brown University’s Watson Institute and Boston University’s Pardee Center was created to document the unacknowledged cost of the post-9/11 wars. The cost analysis can be broken down into three categories: Human, Budgetary, and Environmental. The cost analysis is done to evaluate theenvironmental costThe authors conclude that the US produced 1.2 million metric tons of GHGs in the first decade of the 21st century. [Global War on Terror]2001. More than 400 million tons of GHGs are directly attributable to war-related fuel consumption. 1.2 billion tonnes of GHGs are equivalent to 257 million passenger car emissions annually, which is more then twice the number of cars currently on American roads.
Armed conflict in cities causes displacement, death, or serious injuries to civilians. The infrastructure necessary for basic services is also damaged or destroyed. Water resources may be contaminated by contamination due to damage to wastewater and drinking water. Explosions caused by fires or rockets can produce large quantities of debris and other waste. The effects of environmental contamination are exacerbated by the release hazardous materials such asbestos, industrial chemicals, fuels, and other substances.
Unexploded Ordinance, also known as UXO, will cause long-lasting damage to Ukrainian soil. According to the UXO, an explosive device that fails or partially detonates can release toxic explosive materials into the soil and water surrounding it.Small Wars Journal.
The effort to supply Ukraine equipment and arms comes at a high cost. More than 25 countries have sent billions in missiles, ammunition and other items. It is a difficult task to transport military material, and requires jet fuel. According to theUS Energy Information AdministrationJet fuel produces an average 21.1 pounds of CO2 per gallons, while aviation gas 18.4 pounds. Fuel for cars is 19.6 lbs. These figures do not include emissions from fires, explosions, ammunition used, destruction of vehicles and property, as well as emissions from smoke, flames, explosions, and other sources. These figures do not include the rebuilding process. Consider the fact cement manufacturing produces approximately 0.9 pounds of carbon dioxide per pound.
FebruaryFlagstokIndependent media outlet in Belarus, ”The Belarusian Media Outlet” found that an abandoned airbase was used as a staging area for Russian troops and equipment. Reports also suggest that the Russians have units that coalesce far from bases closer to Ukraine’s border. Satellite images confirmed this.Russian troopsThey were approximately 25-30 miles from Ukraine’s Chernihiv Region, which is 125 mi from Kyiv.
Russian convoys fleeing Chernobyl, Belarus, would burn through petrol. These emissions would cover thePinsk MarshesA large area of wetlands that covers approximately 100,000 square miles. The role of wetlands is vital in carbon storage. They are capable of absorbing pollutants from the surface water, but there is a limit.
If the war continues with Russian shelling through summer, a wildfire could ensuedrought-strickenAlso, the cascading effect will be felt in Ukraine. It will only be possible to stop a wildfire from the hottest months and repel an opponent force with limited resources. This will increase the damage.
The environment and public health have been affected by war making and the associated industry. Generations of Ukrainians will have to bear the heavy costs of Russia’s strategy of destroying cities.
