The ongoing war in Ukraine, instigated by Russia on 24 February 2022, has already resulted in serious environmental and climatic repercussions according to a report by the Initiative on Greenhouse Gas Accounting of War (IGGAW). The report estimates the climate-related damages at a staggering $32 billion, largely due to the use of military fuels and the wide-ranging destruction of landscapes and infrastructure.
The conflict, which has now lasted for two years, has resulted in the emission of 175 million tons of carbon dioxide. This figure is notably higher than the annual emissions of developed countries such as the Netherlands, demonstrating the severe environmental impact of warfare.
The major sources of these emissions were identified by IGGAW as military operations, targeted attacks on energy infrastructure, and the post-war reconstruction efforts. The report further suggests that Russia should be held accountable for these damages, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address these impacts and achieve global emission reduction targets.
Remarkably, the climate cost of the war was found to be greater than the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 175 countries combined. These countries collectively produced at least 175 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent due to various factors related to the war.
A glaring example of the environmental damage caused by the conflict is the bombing of Ukraine’s Lysychansk oil refinery by Russian shells, which led to the emission of massive black smoke and substantial environmental damage.
In a broader context, the global military carbon footprint, excluding the emission surges related to conflicts, is larger than that of all countries except three: the US, China, and India. This finding underscores the significant environmental impact of military activities, even in times of peace.
In sum, the war in Ukraine not only poses a threat to regional stability and global peace, but also exacerbates the global climate crisis. It is crucial that the international community prioritizes addressing these environmental consequences alongside diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
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