Ukraine’s dangerous air pollution problem in desperate need of solutions, 19 October 2020

The air in Ukraine is worse than anywhere else in Europe. The World Health Organisation ranks Ukraine as the country with the highest health impact from air pollution in Europe. With almost one third of the air pollution produced by energy generation, cutting emissions from power plants has to be the first step in dealing with this health hazard.

With 70% of Ukraine’s primary energy consumption coming from various fossil fuels, which in turn emit an enormous volume of pollutants into the air, it is safe to say that fossil fuels are the main culprit of the country’s air pollution. Coal-fired power plants lead the way: the massive fleet of 20 plants constantly pumps sulphur dioxide, dust and nitrous oxides into the air...

According to the World Health Organisation’s information on mortality and the burden of disease from ambient air pollution for 2016, Ukraine has 2,538 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually per 100,000 people. This is the highest number in Europe and is mostly driven by Ukraine’s fossil fuel addiction...

It is high time for Ukraine’s government to take the air pollution problem seriously and to take concrete measures to reduce emissions at the source. This is a long and expensive process, regardless of whether it includes bringing the emissions from the power plants down to legal limits or replacing them with renewable capacities. However, further delays must not be tolerated by any party involved, including the international community. As long as Ukraine’s dangerous emissions continue unabated, people will continue to pay the cost with their lives...