IPCC Session in Hangzhou Highlights Ukraine War's Climate Impact, 230 Million Tons CO₂

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to alarming increases in greenhouse gas emissions, with a new study revealing that emissions have surged by 30% in 2024, totaling nearly 230 million tons of CO₂-equivalent since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. This spike is largely attributed to widespread destruction of forests and landscape fires, exacerbated by hot and dry weather conditions. Notably, 92,100 hectares were burned in the past year, more than double the previous annual average, highlighting the severe environmental impact of the conflict. Experts emphasize that these fires not only contribute to immediate emissions but also threaten long-term carbon storage capabilities of Ukraine's forests. Svitlana Krakovska, a representative at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has articulated the urgent need for accountability regarding the climate costs associated with the war. As the IPCC session commenced in Hangzhou, calls for recognizing the war's environmental damage were underscored, linking fossil fuel dependence to increased conflict and climate change.