Ukraine to demand $32 billion in climate reparations from Russia
Ukraine will demand reparations from Russia. Kyiv will seek payment from Moscow for all war damages, including significant climate damages. Experts estimate that the climate-related costs alone are already $32 billion and continue to grow.
On February 14, 2022, Russia began its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Although the Kremlin expected a quick capture of Kyiv, the conflict continues, with little indication of ending soon. Each additional day of the war results in massive losses of lives, economy, infrastructure, and cultural heritage in Ukraine. According to "National Geographic," the war also causes severe climate damages.
Experts from the Initiative on Greenhouse Gas Accounting of War (IGGAW) indicate that in just the first two years of the conflict, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is equivalent to approximately 175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Such quantities of carbon dioxide will inevitably impact the increase in global warming.
The IGGAW report clearly shows that combating the effects of this additional greenhouse gas emission could cost up to $32 billion. Ukraine plans to include this amount in the damages caused by Russian aggression. "It will be an essential plank in the reparations case we are building against Russia," stated Ruslan Striletz, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine.
The analysis published today is the most up-to-date and thorough snapshot we have of the climate consequences of Russia’s invasion, helping to lift the fog of war that exists also when it comes to the environmental costs of conflict — said Striletz.
War in Ukraine and the increase in carbon dioxide emissions
The report prepared by IGGAW indicates that up to one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions result from direct military actions, such as the fuel consumption of military vehicles. This is followed by emissions related to the repair of damaged buildings, roads, infrastructure, and fires caused by subsequent bombings, rocket attacks, and shelling.
Additionally, one must consider the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the necessity to reroute commercial aircraft on longer routes to avoid the conflict zone. Experts point out that this topic is still not thoroughly researched, meaning the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere could be significantly higher than estimated. It is also essential to remember that each subsequent day of the war adds to this amount.
