Climate effects of war in Ukraine infographic
Graphic charts the environmental damage caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
GN45920EN

ENVIRONMENT

Huge emissions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

By Ninian Carter

June 13, 2024 - Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a huge spike in greenhouse gas emissions, spewing an additional 175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere in 24 months.

The first 24 months of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has seen a huge spike in greenhouse gas emissions, spewing an additional 175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere – equivalent to the annual emissions of 90 million combustion engine cars.

In an Ecoaction report, published by Ukraine’s environment ministry and climate NGOs, they conclude the spike in CO2 emissions is being caused directly by the war itself and to a greater extent by the reconstruction of civilian infrastructure.

As well as killing tens of thousands of people and displacing millions more, the war has caused vast environmental damage – quantified as being worth more that $32 billion.

Western G7 leaders have agreed to loan Ukraine $50 billion to defend itself and rebuild the country – a figure that will be repaid over time from the interest earned on Russia’s frozen foreign assets.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 13/06/2024; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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