War's environmental impact begins far before the
conflict itself. The cost of constructing and maintaining military troops is
enormous. Common metals, rare earth elements, water, and hydrocarbons are
examples. Maintaining military readiness necessitates training, which requires
funding. Military vehicles, planes, warships, buildings, and infrastructure all
require an energy source which is often oil and unfortunately has low
efficiency. The CO2e emissions of the world's largest militaries exceed those of
several countries combined.
As Russian soldiers intensified their attack on Ukrainian cities, escalating a
long-simmering conflict into a full-fledged invasion, observers warned that the
latest round of violence could result in much more long-term environmental harm.
Millions of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as a result of
Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine, with thousands more trapped under Russian
shelling in cities such as Mariupol. The battle is also causing new
environmental concerns, which may increase the war's human toll. Some of these
environmental dangers, such as a radioactive spill from one of Ukraine's nuclear
power facilities, might have rapid and catastrophic implications. Others, such
as carcinogenic dust from bombed buildings, provide long-term dangers with even
more long-term consequences.
After some critical thinking over 1,000 organizations and individuals from over 75 countries signed
an open letter expressing their support for the Ukrainian people and their concern about the war's
environmental and human toll. Toxic elements are released into the air, water, and soil as a result
of crumpled structures, faulty sanitation systems, ruptured pipes, and damaged industrial facilities
such as fuel and chemical storage sites. Experts fear that the war will escalate, with Russia
targeting hydroelectric dams, toxic mine tailings dams, and hazardous waste storage sites in
Ukraine.