How the Conflict in Ukraine is Intensifying Climate and Environmental Crises

Since the 2010s, Ukraine has been working hard on climate action, aiming to align its environmental practices with European Union standards. However, the ongoing war with Russia, which started in 2022, has led to serious environmental damage, as revealed by a recent report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

The conflict has mixed impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. On one hand, emissions dropped due to reduced industrial activity and damage to energy infrastructure. On the other hand, military actions have created new emissions and damaged air quality and soil. The use of explosive devices has released harmful chemicals and disrupted water bodies, posing risks to human health and biodiversity, especially in areas like the Black Sea.

This comprehensive report, titled “Status of Environment and Climate in Ukraine,” provides essential insights into how the war affects different environmental factors. The findings aim to guide future rebuilding efforts and help monitor Ukraine’s transition toward greener practices.

Local authorities in Ukraine are actively engaging in climate action, having joined the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. This initiative involves 363 signatories, which represent over half the country’s population. They aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2030 and have planned strategies to cope with extreme weather patterns, such as heatwaves and flooding.

Air quality has fluctuated in recent years. Between 2018 and 2022, most pollutants met national quality standards, but some, like nitrogen dioxide, exceeded them. A sobering statistic: in 2019, air pollution contributed to around 42,900 premature deaths in Ukraine. The war has since led to unusual pollution patterns linked to military activities.

In a significant shift, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 23% to 26% in 2022 compared to the previous year, largely due to war-related destruction of industries. However, new emissions from military operations have emerged, totaling approximately 77 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in the first 18 months of the conflict. Such numbers underscore the need for swift action in restoring and protecting Ukraine’s environment.

Forests, covering about 20% of Ukraine, face significant threats due to war. Around 1.7 million hectares have been impacted, accounting for about 15% of the total forest area. Deforestation and habitat destruction have escalated because of military operations and the looming threat of wildfires. Recent satellite data indicates that 2024 saw record-breaking wildfires, with nearly 965,000 hectares burnt—more than double the area affected in the entire EU during the same time.

Soil health is another critical issue. Agriculture plays a vital role in Ukraine’s economy, accounting for 11% of its GDP. Despite rich, nutrient-dense soils, the country faces severe erosion, affecting about 40% of its land. The war has compounded these problems, introducing hazardous elements like lead and mercury, which can enter food chains and harm public health.

The marine environment, particularly the Black Sea, is under severe stress from military actions. Increased pollutants, including microplastics and chemicals, are becoming more common. However, monitoring these changes has become nearly impossible due to the conflict, leaving a gap in understanding the full environmental impact.

Looking back, the data available from the past decade tells a story of progress and setbacks. The war has interrupted attempts to monitor and assess the environmental situation effectively. Reliable data is essential for making informed decisions and implementing effective recovery strategies. Every effort should be made to establish robust monitoring networks and ensure transparent reporting on environmental health.

For more insights, visit the JRC report on [Status of Environment and Climate in Ukraine](https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/status-environment-and-climate-ukraine-2023).

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