Ukraine Invasion: Rapid Overview of Environmental Issues

Feb 25, 2022 | Eoghan Darbyshire
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Ukraine is a heavily industrialised country, with many mines, chemical processing plants and metallurgical works, risking a large technological catastrophe. Both the military build-up, and the short term and long-term impacts from the fighting, will have generated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The Ukrainian military have laid landmines along at least one beach near Odesa in an effort to prevent an amphibious landing. Russia’s use of heavy explosive weapons in urban areas has been widespread, including Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. 

Reconstruction, when it comes, will be a further and significant carbon cost made necessary by the conflict. 

Global oil and gas price spikes will have a complex effect on emissions. On the one hand high prices may reduce consumption but, if sustained, they will encourage more exploration and production from less economic hydrocarbon deposits. 

From a climate governance and emissions reduction perspective, it seems inevitable that Ukraine’s focus will be elsewhere for some time to come. Meanwhile Russia’s ostracisation and any subsequent geopolitical tension may translate into difficulties in reaching and advancing multilateral environmental agreements. Signs of that were already visible ahead of the 5th UN Environment Assembly, which starts on the 28th February. In 2016, the Assembly adopted a resolution on conflict and the environment sponsored by Ukraine.

It also seems likely that there will be pressure to increase military expenditure and activities in the region, increasing GHG emissions at a time where reductions are urgently needed.