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War in Ukraine. The UN warns of consequences for nature and future generations

Pollution of air, water and soil, loss of biodiversity, numerous fires, radioactivity… In addition to the human drama, the war in Ukraine will have a significant impact that can leave the country and the surrounding area.”a toxic legacy for generations to comeIn a preliminary study published on July 4, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) sounded the alarm. And for good reason, it’s rampant in one of the world’s most industrialized areas, with 24,000 toxic industrial infrastructure listed by Ukraine’s environment ministry. Neighboring countries such as Russia, Belarus and Moldova may also be affected, as well as the entire European continent.

Air, water and soil pollution

According to this preliminary UNEP study, the war has taken its toll in many parts of Ukraine. The various incidents listed concern nuclear, oil, gas, mining, industrial and even agri-food infrastructure. This leads to the release of toxic gases or liquids and particles of heavy metals: soot, methane, CO.2:ammonia solvents that lead to air pollution and potentially serious contamination of ground and surface water. In addition to industrial and agricultural facilities,Any ruined building is a source of pollution, as its structure may contain toxic compounds such as asbestos.“, UNEP notes. Pollution associated with weapons of war, as well as military waste such as abandoned vehicles, is part of the “the main cleaning challenge“, the organization continues.

Many environmental risks also arise from the sudden cessation of mine operation. the existing toxic water must be constantly pumped there, otherwise it threatens to contaminate drinking water. The Donetsk Stream, the main source of drinking water for most of the Donbas region, could be contaminated with residues and thus cause transboundary pollution that could reach the Sea of ​​Azov and eventually the Black Sea. In addition, water supply infrastructure, including pumping stations, treatment plants, and sewage plants, also suffered significant damage.

Impact on biodiversity

The report also shows a significant increase in fires in various reserves and protected areas as well as in forest areas. A statement that is unfortunate because Ukraine hosts 35% of Europe’s biodiversity, with nearly 70,000 species of animals and plants found under the Convention on Biological Diversity. A wealth that can be explained by the country’s position at the base of many bird migration routes, the number of waterways – some 63,000 rivers and streams – and the extent of its wetlands, which are spread over approximately 4.5. million hectares. Military waste not only pollutes these fragile ecosystems, but also hinders agencies and NGOs from carrying out their conservation work due to war.

As major donors, agencies and member states meet this week in Lugano, Switzerland to discuss Ukraine’s reconstruction, the top UN official in Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, stressed that “Environmental restoration must be at the top of the agenda in Ukraine“. The priority for him is that millions of displaced Ukrainians can resume their lives.”in a safe and healthy environment“. When the fight is overmust assist in a massive cleanup operation“, he pleads.


Source: Le Figaro

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