Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg criticized the world’s response to the collapse of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine. She referred to it as an act of “ecocide.” The Kakhovka dam, located in Ukraine’s Kherson region, was destroyed on June 6th. The destruction resulted in widespread flooding, destruction of homes and farmland, and disruption of water supplies.
Thunberg visited Kyiv to raise awareness about environmental damage caused by the war in Ukraine. During her visit, she expressed dissatisfaction with the global reaction to the dam collapse. Thunberg stated that the response was insufficient.
According to her, there is a need to speak louder and increase awareness about the situation to address the ecocide. Thunberg was visiting an environmental group responsible for assessing Ukraine’s environmental damage and developing mechanisms to hold Russia accountable. While Russia denies responsibility for the dam collapse, Ukraine accuses the country of intentionally targeting the environment as part of its war efforts.
The dam collapse exemplifies the environmental damage caused by the war in Ukraine, which includes the destruction of forests and natural habitats, release of toxic pollutants, disruption of agricultural production, and the spread of invasive species.
The full extent of the war’s environmental damage is still being assessed, but it is evident that it will be significant. It is crucial for the international community to take action to address and prevent further harm to the environment.
