As the war between Russia and Ukraine marks its third anniversary, the environmental devastation and health risks remain alarming. The conflict has led to an estimated $56.4 billion in environmental damage within the first year alone. Notably, 229.7 million tons of CO2 emissions have been released during this period. With 30% of protected areas impacted, concerns about lasting ecological harm arise, particularly due to the pollution from munitions and the risk of contaminants affecting local populations through soil and water.
Researchers are tracking the extent to which landscape destruction, shelling, forest fires, deforestation and pollution are affecting Ukraine's wildlife and natural habitats, indicating that the war has profound impacts on both people and the environment.
...30% of Ukraine's protected areas had been adversely affected... fears of lasting ecological catastrophe due to Russian occupation and destruction of key infrastructures is a major concern among experts.
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