Key Highlights
Overwhelming Support: The draft law was supported by 284 People's Deputies, demonstrating significant parliamentary backing.
European Integration: The legislation aligns with the "lighthouse of the Ukraine Facility Plan", fulfilling Ukraine's international environmental commitments and advancing its European integration efforts.
Low-Carbon Development Goals:
- Climate Neutrality: Defines principles and mechanisms for achieving climate neutrality.
- Adaptation Strategies: Outlines steps for adapting to climate change impacts.
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Plans to develop a national system for inventorying greenhouse gas emissions and tracking climate policy implementation.
Statements from Key Officials
Yaroslav Zheleznyak, People's Deputy:
"The approval of this document fulfills the 'lighthouse' of the Ukraine Facility Plan, marking a significant step in meeting our international environmental obligations."
Iryna Herashchenko, People's Deputy:
"The law is crucial for Ukraine, especially in documenting environmental damages caused by Russian aggression. We will develop a national system to inventory greenhouse gas emissions and monitor climate policies."
Impact of the Conflict on Ukraine's Environment
Environmental Damage:
- Over 5,500 incidents of environmental destruction recorded during two years of active hostilities.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Daily shelling and its consequences have led to emissions reaching 175 million tons of carbon.
- Land Contamination: Approximately one-third of Ukraine's territories are affected by explosives.
Call for International Recognition:
- Herashchenko emphasized the need to recognize Russia's actions as ecocide.
- Urged the global community to pay greater attention to environmental crimes resulting from the conflict.
Economic Impact:
- 4,700+ environmental crimes committed by Russia, causing damages estimated at $64 billion.
- Specific Incidents: A missile attack on Odesa's recreation area on March 15 resulted in environmental damages exceeding 600 million hryvnias.
Global Environmental Concerns
- Mangrove Forests Study:
- A new study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters warns of a potential increase in carbon emissions by the end of the century due to the disappearance of mangrove forests.
- Highlights the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the global impact of ecological degradation.
Next Steps
Implementation:
- The Ukrainian government will work on establishing systems to inventory emissions and enforce climate policies.
- Focus on rebuilding and restoring environments damaged by the conflict.
International Collaboration:
- Ukraine aims to collaborate with international partners to address environmental damages and pursue sustainable development goals.
Conclusion
The adoption of the draft law on climate policy marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's commitment to environmental protection and alignment with European standards. Amidst the challenges posed by ongoing conflict, the legislation sets a framework for addressing climate change, documenting environmental damages, and pursuing a path toward climate neutrality.
