Green Reconstruction of Ukraine
We make the case for a sustainable, resilient, and equitable recovery in Ukraine.
On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine that has resulted in a devastating loss of life and catastrophic damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure and environment. A joint assessment by the Ukrainian government, the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Bank estimated the cost of reconstruction and recovery across social, productive and infrastructure sectors in Ukraine to be USD 486 billion. The Ukrainian government previously estimated the full cost for post-war reconstruction to be nearly USD 750 billion.
A sustainable, equitable and resilient recovery is urgently needed, with careful consideration of economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure the best possible future for Ukraine.
Since 2022, IISD has been developing policy recommendations, providing analytical input and supporting European and Ukrainian organizations in designing approaches to the sustainable recovery and development of Ukraine. IISD is supporting knowledge exchange between more than 50 non-governmental organizations working on various aspects of recovery with a common goal to build Ukraine back better.
With IISD's expertise in green and circular economic development models, energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, and public procurement, we aim to inform policymakers and the international community about sustainable and green solutions that are relevant and applicable to Ukraine today.
Our work:
- Technical assistance
- Media engagement
- Policy analysis
Expertise:
- Green economy
- Circular economy
- Energy transition
- Green energy
- Just transition
- Green public procurement
- Sustainable infrastructure
Articles
Gender Equality at the Heart of Recovery: Advocating for Gender-Responsive Procurement in Ukraine
Ukraine is already preparing for reconstruction, which will cost an estimated USD 411 billion and take at least 10 years. The integration of gender considerations into public procurement processes could generate greater inclusivity in a rebuilt Ukraine.
Including Women in Sustainable Reconstruction in Ukraine
While Russia's aggression continues, planning for recovery in Ukraine has already begun. To ensure reconstruction is sustainable, women must be leading participants in the post-war recovery.
Events
The Pivotal Role of Sustainability for Ukraine’s Reconstruction
This webinar, hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Ukrainian Climate Office, will discuss how to incorporate sustainability into Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction plans and share recommendations for implementation.
Green Reconstruction of Ukraine’s Communities: Key lessons from 2023-2024 recovery projects
Join for an in-depth conversation on the green reconstruction of Ukraine's communities, focusing on practical approaches, challenges, and opportunities.
COP 28 Side Event | Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Reconstruction of Built Environment After Conflicts and Disasters
In this COP 28 side event, international and Ukrainian experts will discuss frameworks, technologies, policies, and practical steps toward a sustainable reconstruction of infrastructure and built environment after conflicts and disasters.
In the News
Destruction of Ukraine's Nova Kakhovka Dam Marks Catastrophic Turn
IISD is deeply concerned about the destruction of a major dam in Southern Ukraine earlier this week, which has resulted in a massive humanitarian and environmental crisis.
Ukraine's green transition to freedom
The green transition is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Ukraine, however, not only has to decarbonize, but must do so amidst a war. Despite it, the country is already rebuilding and discussions about greening the economy are vivid.
Ukraine's 2035 coal phase-out needs concrete plan now
By rapidly installing solar, wind, and heat pumps, Ukraine can simultaneously plug the holes in its energy supplies now, and establish the basis for a decentralized, fully renewables-based power system fit for the future.
War in Ukraine Makes Just Transition on Energy More Urgent
Even in the midst of war, there is a struggle for Ukraine's energy future. It's one that international allies of Ukraine's social movements need to pay attention to, because states like the United States and United Kingdom, and international organizations like the European Union, will be influential in how that tussle turns out.
Russia is accused of 'ecocide' in Ukraine. But what does that mean?
On June 6, Ukraine suffered an environmental catastrophe. The collapse of the Kakhovka dam in the south of the country sent water thundering downstream, killing more than 100 people according to Ukrainian officials. It wiped out villages, flooded farmland and nature reserves, and swept up pollutants like oil and agricultural chemicals as it made its destructive path towards the Black Sea.
How Russia's War in Ukraine Threatens the Planet
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has resulted in the deaths so far of more than 8,700 Ukrainian civilians, including more than 500 children. It has caused a massive drop in the country’s economic output, with GDP declining by 29.1 percent.
Project team
Anna Ackermann
Policy Analyst, Green Reconstruction of Ukraine
Yuliia Oharenko
Associate
Philip Gass
Director, Energy Program, Just Transitions and Canada
Benjamin Simmons
Director, Sustainable Infrastructure
Liesbeth Casier
Lead, Public Procurement and Sustainable Infrastructure and Coordinator of the NBI Global Resource Centre
Aia Brnic
Communications Manager
Becca Challis
Communications Officer
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