- Russia’s invasion in Ukraine has caused long-lasting air, ground and water pollution.
- Disruption of nuclear sites can also pose health risks and contamination.
- The current crisis could also have an impact on future climate policy, by diverting resources or attention.
More than 1000 people and organizations from 75 different countries have issued an announcement open letterThrough the Environmental Peacebuilding AssociationMarch 3, 2013 to show their solidarity with Ukraine, as it faces Russian attacks, and to express concern about the humanitarian and environmental consequences of the war.
The letter states that attacks against civilian and military sites are causing water, air, and ground pollution, especially in such heavily industrialized countries, and that the war is threatening food security in Ukraine and other countries dependent on its wheat exports and wheat imports.
Doug Weir
“Every conflict has a unique environmental narrative,” Doug Weir, director of research at the Conflict and Environmental ObservatoryInsider was told by a group called ‘Environmental Awareness of Military Activities’ (‘EAMR’), which aims to raise awareness about the environmental effects of military activities. It revolves around the technological risks posed by Ukraine’s large industrial and energy sectors, and the intensifying Russian military actions.”
He stated that in the short term, environmental emergencies can be caused by disruptions to energy or industrial plants. However, the long-term consequences of environmental emergencies could be severed in the region, he said. Furthermore, the government could not address the environmental issues as a result of multiple problems.
Weir stated that “transboundary disputes” could arise if Russia occupies more of Ukraine. The full impact on the environment beyond the two countries could take several years to realize.
The country’s industrial sector increases the environmental risk to air and water quality
Multiple industrial sites are found in Ukraine. According to the, Ukraine was low in environmental indicators such air quality, biodiversity production and ecosystem health before the conflict. Environmental Performance Index. The Donbas region, in eastern Ukraine, has been long considered one the country’s most important. Most polluted areas because of its coal mining, metallurgy, and chemical-manufacturing facilities.
Ken Conca
“War in industrial areas increases the risk of toxic contamination due to the concentration of power-generating station, chemical plants, metalworking and other factories.” Ken ConcaInsider spoke with a professor of international relations at American University School of International Service, and the author of “Environmental Peacemaking.”
Conca said that these structures are often full of petroleum products, hazardous chemicals and combustible substances that can cause extensive short-term and long-term damage to the environment.
He said that if Ukraine’s hydroelectric dams burst, it could cause “disastrous flooding downstream” and that the international community should recognize targeting these facilities as a war crime.
Targeting nuclear sites poses also health and environmental risk
On February 24, Russia took over Chernobyl. This was the site of a nuclear power plant that in 1986, an explosion sent radioactive material into nearby areas. The White House described the taking control of Chernobyl in this manner:It is alarming“, as it Radioactive dust was stirred upRecent radiation levels at the site were increased.
Conca stated, “It would probably require a direct hit on the facility in order to create more than local radiation hazards, but there’s still a danger that ongoing monitoring of this area by Ukrainian scientists, required 35 years after Chernobyl catastrophe, will be disrupted.”
He said that the risk of nuclear contamination extends far beyond Chernobyl. Ukraine has more than 12 nuclear reactors. Many reports have detailed. Russian strikes near nuclear waste facilitiesThis increases the risk of contamination and can lead to health problems.
“Many problems we see pose either acute and chronic health risks to individuals, and people have the human right to a clean environment,” Weir said. He added that it could also hinder disaster recovery, contamination, and environmental restoration efforts.
Future climate policy initiatives may be affected by the war.
The UmweltproblemThe future climate policy in Ukraine could also be affected.
Conca stated that “We are already at a low point in terms global environmental cooperation momentum.” “The war distracts and diverts the attention of governments worldwide at an time when we cannot afford it.”
Last week, United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangePublished a ReportClimate change is faster than thought and certain parts of the globe will soon be unlivable if we don’t act now.
Weir acknowledged that it was understandable that the report’s release had been overshadowed with news of the Ukraine conflict. “This shows how our future increasingly depends upon global cooperation and the extent to which the political shocks associated with conflicts can spread, while ignoring other important issues.”
The extent, intensity, and duration of the conflict are still unknown.
Conca stated, “Even though the physical, chemical, and biological damage remains confined in Ukraine, the social, and political effects will reverberate far further beyond.”