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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Ukraine

Ukraine faces unprecedented environmental challenges from ongoing military conflict since 2022, with war-related emissions exceeding 230 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. Despite historical progress reducing emissions by 62.5% since 1990, the country now confronts severe ecosystem damage, record wildfires affecting 965,000 hectares in 2024, and the loss of critical biodiversity habitats. Ukraine is pursuing $43 billion in climate damages from Russia, marking the first legal claim for war-induced emissions.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

5.5/10

Worsening trend

Air quality in Ukraine has deteriorated significantly due to military operations since February 2022. Military activities, including explosions, weapons use, and destruction of industrial facilities, have generated substantial emissions. Forest fires in 2024 caused a 113% rise in emissions, with record-breaking wildfires burning 965,000 hectares—more than twice the area burnt in the entire EU during the same period.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.0/10

Water quality in Ukraine has been severely compromised by military conflict. Explosions and destruction of infrastructure have damaged water supplies and sanitation facilities. Bombs and munitions contain toxic substances that contaminate soil and water. The destruction of buildings and industrial facilities has released hazardous materials including asbestos into water systems. Pre-war water quality standards are no longer maintained in conflict-affected regions.

Water safety has deteriorated in conflict zones due to infrastructure damage and contamination from military operations. Access to clean drinking water is compromised in areas affected by warfare.

Recycling System

Specific data on Ukraine's recycling infrastructure and rates is not available in current sources. Pre-war recycling systems have been disrupted by military conflict and infrastructure destruction. Recovery and reconstruction of waste management systems remain ongoing priorities as the country addresses immediate environmental damage from warfare.

Green Spaces

Ukraine's forest resources have suffered catastrophic damage since 2022. Intense deforestation, habitat destruction, and record-breaking wildfires have devastated ecosystems. In 2024, wildfires burned 965,000 hectares, with 45-65% of annual Ukrainian forest cover losses attributed to wildfires. The country was home to one-third of Europe's biodiversity, including steppes, mixed forests, wetlands, and unique chalk slope habitats in Donbass, many now suffering irreversible damage.

Forest Coverage: 16.0%

Ukraine's protected areas, including forests, wetlands, and nature reserves, have been severely impacted by military operations and resulting wildfires. The loss of carbon absorption capacity in forests and agricultural land is estimated at millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Environmental Policies

Ukraine has established a framework for climate action with commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country adheres to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy through 363 local authority signatories covering 51% of the national population. Ukraine committed to reducing 33% of GHG emissions by 2030 compared to baseline inventory levels. However, military conflict since 2022 has severely disrupted these climate goals and environmental protection efforts.

Key Policies:

•Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (363 signatories covering 51% of population)
•33% GHG emissions reduction target by 2030
•Climate action framework with adaptation measures for extreme heat and floods
•Environmental war crimes prosecution (247 cases in Ukrainian courts and ICC)

Renewable Energy: Specific renewable energy percentage targets are not detailed in available sources. Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by military operations, disrupting renewable energy development and deployment.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Ukraine faces escalating natural disaster risks amplified by climate change and military conflict. Wildfires have become the dominant natural disaster, accounting for 45-65% of annual forest cover losses. In 2024, record-breaking wildfires burned 965,000 hectares, more than twice the EU average. Extreme heat and drought conditions trigger major fires, particularly along military frontlines. Flooding and mass movements pose additional risks, with climate change increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Wildfires (45-65% of annual forest losses)Floods and mass movementsExtreme heat wavesDroughts

Climate Change Impacts: Climate change has significantly increased wildfire risk in Ukraine over the past five years. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns create conditions favoring large forest fires. The 2024 wildfire season was record-breaking, with 965,000 hectares burned—more than double the EU total. Military conflict compounds these risks by destroying fire prevention infrastructure and triggering fires through bombing. Forest fires released approximately 22 million tonnes of CO₂, while destroying ecosystems' future carbon absorption capacity. The loss of carbon sequestration in forests and agricultural land represents millions of tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. Climate change has also increased flood and extreme weather frequency, with adaptation measures addressing heat extremes and mass movement risks.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Damage Accountability

Ukraine is pursuing $43 billion in climate damages from Russia for emissions caused by military conflict, marking the first time a country claims damages for war-induced emissions. The claim will be filed in 2026 through the Council of Europe mechanism, setting a legal precedent for environmental compensation based on climate damage. Ukraine is prosecuting 247 environmental war crimes cases in Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court.

Local Climate Action

Ukrainian local authorities actively participate in climate action through the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in the Eastern Partnership initiative. 363 local government signatories cover 51% of Ukraine's national population, implementing adaptation measures for extreme heat, floods, and mass movements. Communities are committed to reducing 33% of GHG emissions by 2030 compared to baseline inventory levels.

Emissions Reduction Framework

Ukraine achieved a 62.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2021 compared to 1990 levels through its climate action framework. However, military conflict since February 2022 has reversed progress, with war-related emissions totaling 77 megatonnes CO₂-equivalent in the first 18 months. Destruction of industrial and energy facilities caused a 23-26% reduction in GHG emissions in 2022 compared to 2021, but new emissions from military operations offset these gains.

Wildlife & Nature

European Bison (Wisent)Vulnerable

Steppe Ecosystems and Endemic SpeciesVulnerable

Forest Biodiversity (Mixed Forests)Vulnerable

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