War and the Environment: Ukraine in 2022

May 30, 2022 | Dan Farber
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A more severe wildlife threat is connected with the Russian incursion into southern Ukraine. The Black Sea reserve is not unique. Over a third over Ukraine’s protected areas are now occupied by the Russians. There’s not the slightest reason to think that they will give any heed to the ecological value of these areas.

Only recently has the international legal system begun to take this harm into account.  The U.N. claim commission established in the aftermath of the first Gulf War gave particular attention to claims of environmental harm, paving new ground in its efforts to measure damage to ecosystems. The UNCC was established after the first Iraq War to handle claims against Iraq for war-related damages. 

Memorial Day began as a day to commemorate the Civil War dead, then became a day to commemorate the dead from many wars. But war’s toll goes beyond direct harm to humans.   The environment also suffers. On top of its human tragedies, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is also wreaking environmental havoc.