Climate change threatens Ukraine: 1.1 million hectares could be underwater by 2100

Climate change threatens Ukraine

The 'EcoAction' study indicates that global warming could lead to the flooding of 1.168 million hectares of territory in Ukraine by 2100. This is caused by excessive carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to the increase in the average air temperature. According to forecasts, if the temperature rises by 4°C, millions of hectares of Ukrainian land could be underwater by the end of the century.

Scope of possible flooding

The scope of possible flooding in Ukraine is quite significant. The following areas are at risk:

• 212 thousand hectares of agricultural land;
• 35 thousand hectares of developed areas.

This could have serious consequences for the agricultural sector and residential infrastructure of the country. Expert Yevheniya Zasyadko emphasized that all coastal areas of Ukraine are partially at risk of flooding.

The study was conducted in 2018, and the issue of climate change and its consequences has long been recognized by the international community. Yevheniya Zasyadko noted that the critical nature of the situation necessitates urgent action to prevent catastrophic consequences. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to combat climate change, but inaction in this area could lead to irreversible consequences for Ukraine.

This data underscores the seriousness of the climate change issue and its potential consequences for Ukraine, particularly in the context of food security and residential infrastructure. Given the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is important for Ukraine to also ramp up its actions in this area to avoid catastrophic scenarios in the future. Cooperation with international organizations and adherence to commitments made under the Paris Agreement could be key elements in combating the impacts of climate change.