The Green Recovery of Ukraine: a Challenging but Non-Negotiable Way to Succeed in the World of Tomorrow

Russia’s war against Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on the country and its people – entire cities have been leveled, thousands of people have been killed, millions have been displaced, and residential areas, large industrial plants, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure have been destroyed or severely damaged. One of the biggest victims of Russia’s aggression is nature, which has suffered significant damage over the past eleven months, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine, including the Azov and Black Seas.

According to the State Ecological Inspectorate of Ukraine, 280,000 meters of soil have been contaminated with toxic substances, and 11 million meters – by other remnants of hostilities. 686 thousand tons of oil products were burned during Russian shelling of oil depots, refineries and other similar facilities, which significantly increased air pollution and contributed to carbon dioxide emissions. Almost 60 thousand hectares of forests were burned with corresponding losses for wildlife. 1.6 thousand tons of hazardous substances were released into water bodies. The Inspectorate estimates the damage caused to Ukraine’s air, land and water resources as of the beginning of 2023 at UAH 1.7 trillion (USD 42 billion). However, the actual figures are likely to be much higher, as it is difficult to assess the actual environmental situation in the occupied territories and in the areas of active hostilities. Some of the damage is irreversible, and the negative consequences of environmental degradation will be long-lasting and will affect the lives of future generations in Ukraine and beyond.

Source: https://www.globsec.org/what-we-do/publications/green-recovery-ukraine-challenging-non-negotiable-way-succeed-world