How Green Can Ukraine’s Recovery Really Be?

Jul 7, 2022 | Michelle Langrand
View Original

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, there have been over 580 disruptions in industrial and infrastructure facilities, according to figures by the Geneva-based Zoi Environment Network. Attacks on these sites have caused leakages of toxic substances into the water, air and soil that will need years of clean up work.

With the homes of some 3.5 million Ukrainians reportedly being destroyed, 24 km of road in ruins and hundreds of hospitals, schools and businesses damaged, according to government figures, there will be pressure for Ukraine to rebuild fast and cheap. Only infrastructure damage costs have been estimated by the government at $100bn.

As Ukraine launched a reconstruction process at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the commitment to restore ecosystems and rebuild the country in a green way was in everyone’s lips.

Ukraine's pursuit to join the EU and obtain loans from international banks will weigh in its decisions and nudge it to adopt a greener pathway in certain areas.