loading . . . Status of Environment and Climate in Ukraine The present report provides an overall picture of the status of environment and climate - air quality, emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases - (GHG), forests, soil and marine environment in Ukraine. The analysis is based on available studies by JRC and other sources. However, the report does not cover all environmental areas as completeness and quality of data varies across the different topics. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exacerbated pre-existing challenges related to environmental monitoring and the enforcement of environmental regulations, further complicating this assessment. The information summarised in this study provides for the first time the basis for assessing the impact of war in Ukraine with reference to specific environment and climate aspects, including relevant elements for the reconstruction of the country. Moreover, the report provides additional information for benchmarking the EU accession process of Ukraine, with particular reference to Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis on Environment, as well as for monitoring the progress in the green transition, with an emphasis on zero-pollution, low-carbon and nature-preserving dimensions. In the last decade, Ukraine made efforts to align its environmental strategy with EU standards including the definition of key strategic goals and a roadmap for its participation in the Green Deal. The concentration of pollutants regulated by Ukrainian legislation meet the EU criteria, with the exception of NO2 and CH2O. National standards for atmospheric particulate matter with diameter <2.5 ÎŒm and <10 ÎŒm (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) are not in place yet. Emission of pollutants have decreased over the past decade due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the war. Over the past decade, climate change and the war have significantly increased the risk of large forest fires, with the worst situation in the last five years. Wildfires account for 45-65% of the total forest cover losses every year. Although soils in Ukraine contain high levels of organic matter and nutrients, they are also vulnerable to degradation, such as nutrient mismanagement, acidification, erosion, compaction, salinisation, contamination. Erosion is the most widespread threat since it affects 40% of the Ukrainian soil. The war and the presence of military equipment and units hampered the ability to monitor and respond to changes in the environment. The war contributed to devastation of environment by releasing potentially toxic elements, munitions and landmines, as well as the habitat alteration and destruction, deforestation, increased potential of causing wildfires, negative impact on human health and biodiversity. The Ukraine Plan provides a solid foundation for planning the country's reconstruction. The findings outlined in this report are intended to inform and enhance the implementation of individual measures, therefore, it is recommended to take them into consideration to ensure the reconstruction efforts move forward in a sustainable fashion. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC141480
