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Ukraine's Burning Forests: A Fight Against Fire and Mines
Ukrainian forest workers risk their lives battling wildfires amid landmines and unexploded ordnance left by the war, facing immense challenges in cleanup and regeneration.
German
Germany
Climate ChangeRussia Ukraine WarUkraineWarMilitary TechnologyEnvironmental DamageLandminesForest Fires
Ukrainian Ministry Of EnvironmentReuters
Serhyj TsapokOleh LystopadWolodymyr Sawschenko
- What is the long-term ecological outlook for Ukraine's forests?
- The ecological impact of the war on Ukraine's forests is catastrophic, potentially leading to the permanent loss of some heavily mined areas, similar to what occurred after past European conflicts. The recovery will require decades and substantial resources.
- How extensive is the damage to Ukraine's forests due to the war?
- The war has caused widespread devastation to Ukraine's forests, with approximately 10 million hectares affected. Bombardments frequently ignite large fires, and the presence of landmines significantly hampers firefighting and cleanup efforts.
- What are the main dangers faced by Ukrainian forest workers while fighting wildfires?
- Ukrainian forest workers are battling wildfires amidst landmines and unexploded ordnance, facing immense danger in their efforts. The scale of destruction is vast, with millions of hectares of forest damaged or destroyed by the war.
- What are the risks faced by forest workers involved in fighting wildfires in mine-infested areas?
- Forest workers are facing considerable risks, with 14 reported deaths from landmines, booby traps, and grenades. The difficulty of operating machinery near trees further compounds the challenges in mine clearance operations.
- What is the estimated timeline for demining the affected areas, and what are the challenges involved?
- Clearing the landmines and unexploded ordnance from the affected areas is a monumental task, estimated to take 70 years. The subsequent forest regeneration process will be complex and expensive, requiring significant investment.