In partnership with the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, this event will provide a space for discussion on the environmental impacts of armed conflict, particularly in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. When analyzing the ongoing war, discussions tend to focus on human security, politico-military considerations, and, in the longer term, reconstruction of Ukraine and the socio-economic repercussions this entails. An often neglected aspect of war is the ecological dimension. Environmental harms such as water, soil and air pollution biodiversity loss, deforestation or resource depletion are factors that impact conflict dynamics, at times increasing the risks of conflict (re-)escalation and sparking new intra-communal and inter-communal disputes. In the long term, environmental damage can exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable and limiting access to resources, while adding up to the already costly reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts.
This event will take a closer look at the environmental impacts of the war in Ukraine, with a particular focus on its long-term repercussions in domains such as water, nuclear, industry, etc. Based on gathered evidence of environmental harm in Ukraine, panelists and participants will discuss ways forward to increase accountability for environmental harm in the context of war and build momentum for the recognition of ecocide as a crime under international law. Throughout its course, the event will tackle issues such as resource dependency and depletion, food security, cooperation between different actors, and environmental peacebuilding.

Speakers:
– Iryna Nikolaieva -PAX
– Ana Lukic – International Relations Officer, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), European Commission (TBC)
– David Krott. Research associate at FH Aachen & Vrijen Universiteit Brussels.