The devastating war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has far-reaching consequences not only for the affected region, but also for the global climate. Scientists have now drawn conclusions about the extent of the climate damage caused by the conflict, with the forest fires unleashed as a result of the war playing a particularly significant role.
Three years into the war, scientists have taken stock and highlighted the significant emissions caused by the conflict. These emissions amount to around 230 million tons of CO2, which impressively reflects the extent to which the military conflict is contributing to global warming. This amount of CO2 emissions is comparable to the annual emissions of countries such as Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia combined. Such impressive figures underline the urgency of being aware of environmental responsibility even in war situations.
A significant source of these emissions are the numerous forest fires that are a direct result of armed conflicts. The fires in Ukraine in 2024 in particular have exacerbated the already increased climate damage caused by the Russian attack, as enormous amounts of CO2 have been released. These fires are driving up the already high emissions even further and illustrate the environmental damage that conflicts can cause.
The calculations were provided by a greenhouse gas emissions mapping initiative in Kiev and show just how dramatic the impact of war on the climate is. After 36 months of war, 38 percent of emissions come directly from the military, caused by the use of weapons, high fuel consumption and the construction and maintenance of military fortifications.
An additional factor that has further increased climate damage is the increased use of drones in warfare. The use of this technology, although often described as efficient and precise, also contributes to the increase in CO2 emissions, as the production and operation of these drones is energy-intensive.
Compared to the emissions of 120 million cars, the amount of greenhouse gases released by war in recent years is an unprecedented indication of the urgency of addressing the environmental impact of military conflict. The war in Ukraine clearly shows that it is not only the immediate humanitarian consequences that need to be considered, but also the long-term and global environmental impact.
At a time when climate change poses many challenges, it is all the more important that parties to a conflict not only strive to end violence, but also to minimize environmental damage. The figures presented in these contexts raise the hope that political decision-makers will take this into account in future negotiations and conflict resolution.
