Four years of war leave climate toll
Four years of Russia’s war against Ukraine have caused not only mass casualties but also severe environmental damage, according to new research assessing the war climate impact.
Since February 2022, the conflict has generated an estimated 311 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, according to calculations by the Initiative on Greenhouse Gas Accounting of War (IGGAW).
Emissions comparable to Germany’s annual output
Researchers estimate that the war climate impact equals roughly half of Germany’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, Europe’s largest economy.
More than one third – 37% – of total emissions stem directly from military activity. Fighter jets, warships and tanks consume vast quantities of kerosene, petrol and diesel, driving a significant share of the carbon footprint.
Wildfires add to emissions burden
War-induced forest fires account for nearly a quarter of total emissions. Numerous forest and shrubland fires have broken out along or near front lines and border regions, further intensifying the war climate impact.
The destruction of ecosystems and infrastructure continues to compound the environmental consequences of the conflict.
Ukraine seeks climate compensation
Ukraine is seeking compensation from Russia for climate-related damage caused by the war, aiming to finance environmentally sustainable reconstruction.
At the UN Climate Change Conference held in Brazil in November, Kyiv estimated its claim at $57 billion. Authorities are expected to submit the request to the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage for Ukraine.
The findings underline that beyond the human and geopolitical consequences, the war climate impact carries long-term environmental costs that may affect the region for decades.
Also read: Four years of war in Ukraine: the key statistics
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