🌍 Ecocide — the Impact of War on the Environment

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the term “ecocide” has been increasingly used.

According to Article 441 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, ecocide means:

• mass destruction of plant or animal life;
• poisoning of the atmosphere or water resources;
• other actions that may cause an environmental catastrophe.

A particularly severe form is war ecocide – the destruction of ecosystems and human habitats as a result of military operations pursued for political and military purposes.

🔥 Fires, smoke, and toxic fumes caused by shelling (including in residential areas) have a significant impact on air quality. Another major source of pollution is forest fires, often concentrated in combat zones.

📊 Back in 2022, it was estimated that:

• damage to forests, roads, buildings, and equipment amounted to almost USD 2.5 billion;
• the loss of ecosystem services due to landmines, which make forests inaccessible, was estimated at USD 739 million.

🌐 Ukrainian citizens can report environmental emergencies via the official platform “EcoThreat”, created by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

💰 As of August 2023, total environmental damage amounted to UAH 2.07 trillion.