In the framework of permanent cooperation with United Nations’ bodies and agencies, our Association informed UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to a Healthy Environment Ms. Astrid Riaño to inform the thematic report for the 61st Human Rights Council’s Session on issues of protection of clean air as a vital element of human environmental rights.
ARC’s submission, published at UN official web-sources now, stressed that till March 2025, only Ukraine has recorded over 8,000 cases of environmental damage as a result of military actions; the total amount of damage has already reached almost EUR 85 billion, and more than 230 million tons of carbon has been released into the air.
ARC’s submission reminded the IMO Resolution A.1183 (33) that described connections between Russia’s ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine and challenges for the maritime environment. In that issue, ARC added that special risks arise regarding changes in the hydrogen sulfide layer located in the deep-water part of the Black Sea near Crimea, and, in particular due to explosive processes, with relevant massive additional emission to athmosphere.
ARC’s submission pointed out that the destruction of Kakhovka HPP by Russian invaders during active military operations caused toxic pollution and changed the Black Sea ecosystems in unprecedented volumes, with catastrophic consequences to clean air.
ARC’s submission reminded again that the negative climate changes are not just the side effect of Russian aggression against Ukraine, but they are one of its major goals: as it is known, the Kremlin administration uses the narratives that global warming and ocean level rise are allegedly “useful” for Russia, as such a situation will allegedly allow it to develop actively the natural resources of Russia-controlled northern part of Eurasia.
