A map of environmental damage from the war in Ukraine

A few days before the anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine, Greenpeace and the Ukrainian NGO eco action publish a “Map of environmental damage” caused by the war and to denounce the very serious impacts on ecosystems. The two organizations are also asking the Kiev government and the European Commission to set up a fund for the restoration of the environment, a silent victim of war.

THE MAP The damage of the war in Ukraine on the environment

The data, collected by eco action and available online, have been confirmed by satellite images and mapped by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe (EEC). The map illustrates 30 of the 900 events collectedto highlight the most serious environmental impacts.

According to official information, Since the beginning of hostilities, around 20% of the country’s protected natural areas have been damaged, as well as 3 million hectares of forest, while another 450,000 hectares are located in areas occupied or affected by the fighting.

War has caused fires, damaged habitats and polluted water, air and soil, while bombing of industrial sites has resulted in further contamination.

The explosions also release a cocktail of chemical compounds. The main one, carbon dioxide, is non-toxic, but contributes to climate change. Sulfur and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain, changing the pH of the soil and causing the burning of vegetation, especially conifers.

The acid rain they are also dangerous for humans and fauna, because they have a serious impact on the mucous membranes and respiratory organs.

Also metal fragments of grenades are dangerous for the environment. There cast iron mixed with steel it is the most common material for ammunition cases and contains not only iron and carbon, but also sulfur and copper. These substances infiltrate the soil and can end up in groundwater, entering the food chains of humans and animals.