Consequences of the war: Soil degradation in Ukraine could lead to a global food crisis
The degradation of the soil in Ukraine, an outcome of the war, could lead to a global food crisis and the devastation of the environment will produce drastic effects for the neighbouring countries as well, claim the representatives of the Environmental Inspectorate in Kyiv.
According to the institution, from the beginning of the war to the end of 2022, more than 280 thousand square metres of the lands of Ukraine were contaminated with dangerous substances. At the same time, more than 680 thousand tons of petroleum products burned during the bombing, polluted the air with dangerous substances, and about 60 thousand hectares of forests and plantations were burned and destroyed.
The Kyiv authorities also announced that more than 1,500 tons of pollutants entered the aquatic environment.
Bombing and trenching also have a negative impact on soil, according to the World Bank. One third of the most fertile land in the world is in Ukraine, of which 68% - arable land. According to many international experts, the current conflict may trigger the biggest global food crisis since the Second World War, writes the international organisation The Union.
It concludes that the environmental devastation caused by the war in Ukraine will have dramatic effects on soil air water pollution levels and on the entire ecosystem and biodiversity. The resulting risks to human health will need to be addressed with careful European and international policies to ensure the future of Ukraine and neighbouring countries, reports The Union.
Radio Moldova reminds its audience that the effects of the war in Ukraine on the environment will be discussed this week by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
