Geospatial analysis has played a crucial role in understanding the environmental impact of the war in Ukraine. Few areas of the Earth have been monitored so closely as Ukraine and particularly the areas directly affected by the conflict. Never before has there been access to such high-resolution Earth Observation Data from satellites, or through drone-based imaging, transforming the timeliness of imaging data, the spatial resolution, as well as the spectral resolution.
Techniques for processing this data speedily and with the use of AI to identify different spectral signatures created by contaminants or counting shell holes to assess the mechanical damage to the soil have also transformed the value of this raw data.
There is the opportunity to build up skills and expertise both in Ukraine, and amongst the Diaspora to fill the skills gap, as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) become fundamental to capturing and sharing this data today, and for planning the interventions needed to rebuild and resurrect the agricultural sector in the land directly affected by the war.
Here are some more detailed examples of how geospatial analysis has been used in this context:
1. Mapping environmental damage: Geospatial analysis has been used to map the extent and severity of environmental damage caused by the war. For example, satellite imagery has been used to identify areas where buildings and infrastructure have been destroyed, where oil spills have occurred, and where vegetation has been damaged or destroyed. This information has been used to create detailed maps of the environmental damage, which can be used to identify areas in need of environmental remediation and to plan for post-conflict reconstruction.
2. Monitoring pollution: Geospatial analysis has been used to monitor the release of pollutants into the environment. For example, satellite imagery has been used to track the movement of oil spills in rivers and other bodies of water. This information has been used to assess the extent of environmental damage and to plan for mitigation measures. Additionally, geospatial analysis has been used to monitor air pollution caused by the conflict, such as the release of pollutants from burning trash and debris.
3. Identifying vulnerable populations: Geospatial analysis has been used to identify populations that are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage. For example, satellite imagery has been used to identify areas where children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are located. This information has been used to prioritize environmental remediation efforts and to plan for post-conflict reconstruction. Additionally, geospatial analysis has been used to identify areas where people are at risk of exposure to hazardous materials, such as areas near damaged industrial sites.
4. Planning for environmental remediation: Geospatial analysis has been used to plan for environmental remediation efforts. For example, geospatial analysis has been used to identify areas where contaminated soil and water need to be cleaned up, where damaged habitats need to be restored, and where the release of pollutants into the environment needs to be reduced. This information has been used to prioritize environmental remediation efforts and to allocate resources effectively. Additionally, geospatial analysis has been used to identify areas where environmental remediation efforts can be combined with other post-conflict reconstruction efforts, such as rebuilding infrastructure.
Understanding the environmental impact of the war in Ukraine
Geospatial analysis has been an essential tool in understanding the environmental impact of the war in Ukraine and in planning for post-conflict environmental remediation efforts.
Realising the opportunity will involve three factors:
Collaboration
To realise these opportunities there is a need for collaboration among governments, NGOs, researchers, and local communities in leveraging geospatial data for environmental remediation. The UN Environmental Working Group in Ukraine has played an important role in encouraging this kind of collaboration. One example is the collaboration to look at new techniques in environmental monitoring between National Agrarian University in Sumy, Ukraine and the Royal Agricultural University in the UK. This initial collaboration grown to include partners in the private sector and in Switzerland as well.
Multidisciplinary Approaches:
Multidisciplinary efforts are needed that combine geography, environmental science, computer science, and other fields. This recognises the complexity of environmental issues, and the different capacities needed in a comprehensive approach to remediation and rebuilding the agricultural sector, and ultimately global food security.
An agile approach to innovation
Advances in satellite technology, predictive analytics, and the integration of geospatial data with other data sources for more comprehensive analyses, are opening up new insights, uncovering new challenges, challenging the old ways of doing things and opening up the possibility of completely new solutions.
However major challenges exist
While we have focussed on the positive aspects of geospatial analysis, there are huge security challenges in sharing any data while the war continues. Security challenges create all kinds of limitations in collecting, processing, and interpreting data, and the real dividends of these technologies will only be seen when the war ends.