We are writing to share the very first issue of Ukraine War Environmental Consequences Work Group (UWEC). This publication focuses on the environmental consequences of the war.
We are a community of experts, environmentalists, journalists, and activists who have come together to share information about the environmental impacts of the war in Ukraine. We want people in the farthest corners of the world to know about these consequences.
The war has revealed many existing and inter-related challenges facing today’s society. Although the hostilities sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are happening in Eastern Europe, their echoes are being heard around the world.
Our planet’s climate and environmental security is under threat. We must work together to not only stop the war, but also find ways to minimize its impacts.
In this first issue you can read about:
- UWEC Work Group – who we are and about UWEC’s goals. LINK
- An interview with Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group director and co-founder Oleksii Vasyliuk about real and potential environmental consequences facing Ukraine as a result of this war. LINK
- We examine the example of Oskil Reservoir – where a dam failure that is one of the most significant environmental impacts today illustrates how the war is destroying Ukraine’s infrastructure and transforming landscapes and ecosystems. LINK
- Our expert Eugene Simonov discusses the food security crisis stemming from the war, the agriculture industry’s reaction, and potential impacts on protected areas around the world. LINK
- The war is influencing environmental laws in Russia and could result in uncontrolled logging in that nation’s forests. LINK
We would love to hear from you. Write us at editor@uwecworkgroup.info. Don’t hesitate to tell others about UWEC and share this issue with your network. We are open to collaboration with experts, environmental organizations, and activists from around the world. Please, let us know if You want to subscribe to our regular issues.
Yours, UWEC Work Group Editors