By May Chan
Not only are civilians affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but the environment is also suffering from air, ground, and water contamination. Wartime practices and militarization use large amounts of energy, releasing dangerous pollutants and leaving substantial environmental repercussions following the conflict.
The environmental consequences of war began long before the conflict itself began. Firstly, military forces demand a vast number of nonrenewable resources, including oil fuel, common metals and rare earth elements. According to the Conflict and Environment Observatory, major militaries can emit more carbon dioxide than some countries. The high-intensity conflicts throughout war also use large quantities of fuel. Large-scale vehicle movements and intense usage of explosive ordinance, for example, both require energy to move, and thus release a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, amplifying the greenhouse effect. Furthermore, in wartime, mitigation becomes a struggle as the government’s ability to monitor emissions deteriorates.
Moreover, the environment would deteriorate if fighting occurs in areas with industrial activity. Hazardous chemicals exist in many industrial facilities. When battles damage factories, poisonous compounds can be released into the environment. According to the Hesperian Health Guide, pollution from industry waste negatively impacts the health of those nearby. Damage to the light industry and ecologically sensitive infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, can also result in pollution.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists detailed the effects of industry pollution: “In the port city of Mariupol, residents endure the constant belching of soot and smoke from two steel plants as well as shelling and rocket fire from neighboring Russia.”
War preparation had a significant influence on the land, and the war itself has exacerbated environmental issues. Unfortunately, as the war continues and millions of people become displaced, people are becoming less worried about the impact of war on the environment. Important climate action might stall as leaders prioritize solving the Russo-Ukrainian War. People must comprehend how war and the climate crisis do not exist separately, but rather both issues contribute to the other. It is extremely important that world leaders understand the importance of environmental sustainability and prevent environmental catastrophe even during wartime.
About Author
