Dear EarthTalk: What environmental toll does Russia’s war against Ukraine take? James P., Philadelphia PA
Russia’s war against Ukraine is the most serious humanitarian crisis Europe has faced since World War II. The Russian military continues their brutal, murderous invasion of Ukraine. Environmental groups around the world are raising further concerns about the war’s devastating effects on the environment.
Russia’s military activities pose a threat to Ukraine’s environment through soil, water, and air pollution. Not only are toxic materials released from munitions but also from the destruction and destruction of infrastructure. This includes buildings, roads, pipelines, and chemical storage sites.
Ukraine’s highly industrialized landscape increases the country’s risk of toxic contamination from pollution in and around industrial facilities, such as fuel storage facilities and hazardous material storage sites. The Donbas region in eastern Ukraine is well aware of this risk. This area was the site for fighting following Russia’s 2014 annexation Crimea. It continues to be contaminated by munitions and industrial facilities that leak.
Ukraine is home to Europe’s largest nuclear facility Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. There have been fires near the plant. It is also alarming to learn that Russia has taken over the Chernobyl nuclear facility, which is also located in Ukraine.
Senior White House Correspondent Alexander Nazaryan said that few regions are as well-equipped to handle military conflict than the Chernobyl nuclear power station.
Russian activity in the area has caused radioactive dust to be released from soil into the atmosphere, causing radiation levels to rise within the zone. Although experts agree that there is no immediate danger to the environment, the risk of nuclear disaster makes this war more dangerous for the environment.
The war is further threatening the already fragile water infrastructure of the country. In addition to the Russian forces cutting off water resources vital to civilians for drinking and sanitation, damage to wastewater infrastructure is causing untreated waste to pollute water supplies. The other end of the spectrum is artillery fire, which has been compacted in dry conditions caused by climate change, making the region vulnerable to wildfires.
Leila Urekenova, UN Environment Program analyst says ecological monitoring is necessary to assess and minimize the environmental risk arising from armed conflict.
The war is also having an impact on climate change negotiations. Some green groups fear that Russia, one of the largest global fossil fuel suppliers, will be pushed aside. Already, the crisis is proving that other countries, including the U.S. and others, need to be less dependent of foreign fuel and fossil fuels.
According to climate analysts, the war will have a positive impact on the world’s ability to achieve energy independence.
The environmental impact of the Russian war against Ukraine in its current state seems to be unaffected. The full impact on the environment may not be visible for many generations. As Benjamin Franklin warned, Wars don’t get paid for in wartime. The bill will come later.
EarthTalkRoddy Scheer and Doug Moss produced this video for the 501(c3) nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to: [email protected].