After Yesterday, Chernobyl was captured by the Russian troopsScientists and environmental experts warn of the possibility of an ecological disaster.
Denys Shmyhal, the Ukrainian Prime Minister, stated in a statement, that the former nuclear power station and the Exclusion Zone of 30 km are now under Russian military control.
Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Ukrainian “defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated.”
Chernobyl was the location of the worst nuclear accident in history. In April 1986, a reactor exploded in Europe and spread radioactive waste throughout Europe.
The site has grown to be a popular destination in recent years. popular tourism spotAs well as an Unexpected environmental success storyVarious species began to thrive in the region.
Today, radiation readings from Chernobyl have been reported as exceedingly high, sparking concern around the world.
Why are environmental scientists concerned about Chernobyl being seized?
Data from the Exclusion zone shows an increase in gamma radiation.
The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said “control levels of gamma radiation dose rate have been exceeded at a significant number of observation points.”
However, they added, “it is currently impossible to establish the reasons for the change in the radiation background in the exclusion zone because of the occupation and military fight in this territory.”
Other experts suggest that the radiation spike could be due to soil disturbances rather than a reactor break.
“Resuspension of dust and soil is likely one of the factors of higher levels of radiation,” said Wim Zwijnenburg, the Humanitarian Disarmament Project Leader for the Dutch peace organisation PAX.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said it is following the situation in Ukraine “with grave concern”, but noted that there has been no reported destruction at the Chernobyl nuclear plant site.
“It is of vital importance that the safe and secure operations of the nuclear facilities in [the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone] should not be affected or disrupted in any way,” said IAEA’s Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Currently, a shelter is built over the plant to stop the release of hundreds upon tonnes of radioactive material. This was upgraded in 2016 and the structure is reportedly able to “withstand a tornado” and stand for at least 100 years, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The nuclear waste in the zone poses a risk. These sites contain radioactive material, and there are also hotspots within the zone.
Epidemiology and biostatistics professor Lydia Zablotska told the Washington Post that staff working in Chernobyl were aware of these sites, but incoming troops won’t know the layout or where to avoid in the zone.
This could result in tanks and other vehicles becoming radioactive, which can then spread further.
“What really worries me is there’s staff there, there are scientists working there,” said Zablotska.
“How are they doing? They dedicated their lives to protecting the world from the most contaminated area on Earth.”
Chernobyl is not the only environmental concern
Concerns about the Russian invasion’s lasting environmental impact are not limited to Chernobyl.
Ukraine has 15 operational nuclear reactors, which accounts for more than half the country’s electricity usage. Only Russia and France have more European reactors.
Many chemical factories, abandoned mines, and other power plants are also found in the country, especially in the east. Experts are concerned that Russian attacks in the region could have a significant impact on the environment over the long-term.
“The east of Ukraine is heavily industrial, full of chemical factories, run-down mines and thermal power plants. The potential for an environmental catastrophe to add to the horrific humanitarian crisis is enormous,” explains Richard Pearshouse, Amnesty International’s head of crisis and environment.
National security consultant Craig Hooper warned last year that full-scale war in Ukraine could lead to an “environmental cleanup [that] would absorb Europe for years.”