The adverse consequences Russian aggression against Ukraine has for nature cannot be overestimated. Thousands of square kilometers of Ukrainian territory are mined, and the soil is contaminated with the remains of shells \u2013 this alone will take decades for Ukraine to clean up, while there are also numerous other problems: destroyed forests and protected areas, depleted and polluted water resources, killed wildlife, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The timely tracking of the Russian war\u2019s impact on the environment, experts think, is crucial, as relevant lab examinations may not be possible to implement as time passes, and specific damage to the ecosystem may be simply forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also vital to think about the long-term future after Ukraine\u2019s victory: how is it possible to ensure that the reconstruction and recovery process in Ukraine is green? With the support of the international community, Ukraine should ensure that the way to rebuild its cities and towns allows for renewable energy to replace fossil fuels, sustainable and smart transport systems, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the second issue of Ukraine In Flames dedicated to Russia’s impact on Ukrainian ecology. Watch the first episode:<\/p>\n\n\n\n