Civil Society Position on Coal Mining Communities’ Just Transition in the Post-War Recovery of Ukraine
The just transition of coal towns will help create conditions for post-war green recovery and sustainable development.
Details
News and press releases
The Vice-President of the European Commission met with the mayors of Ukrainian coal towns
Representatives of the coal regions noted that their towns are ready to become pilots of the green post-war recovery of Ukraine.
The State of Water in Communities: Monitoring Results and How to Address Challenges at the Local Level
We have conducted such a study on water quality in communities and share its findings.
Viktor Filatov, an Agrarian from the Kharkiv Region, Resuscitates Exhausted Fields with Green Fertilizers
Viktor founded the company, which specializes in cultivating grain crops and implements eco-practices to improve soil fertility.
Yak Bdzhola. Pigs Plough the Land, Children Pet Goats, and Farmers Grow Organic Berries
There should be benefits for nature, for the soil, and for man.
Ukrainian coal towns essential task is survival, but they are ready to plan the future right now
Despite the full-scale war Ukrainian coal towns still hope to implement the policy of just transition.
Celebrate winter holidays with donations to Ukrainian environmental NGOs
This holiday season, we encourage you to support the Ukrainian environmental movement by donating to one or a couple of NGOs.
Invitation to Kyiv: Wintershall Dea’s activities in Russia contributing to war crimes in Ukraine
We will be glad to accompany you on a city tour, visiting the sites of the latest rocket strikes and bomb craters.
War also harms the climate, but this damage is still not accounted
How the russian full-scale war in Ukraine has affected global climate change.
A Green Deal for post-war Ukraine
Notwithstanding limited resources, Ukrainians are already working on reconstruction and development planning.
From just transition to just survival: the life of Ukrainian coal towns
The towns of Donetsk Oblast were among the main targets of russian attacks.
Position regarding the priorities of climate policy in Ukraine and the world on the occasion of СОР27
Russian aggression is financed by fossil fuels. 60% of Russia’s state budget comes from selling oil and gas.
Appeal regarding urgent need to revise the draft law No. 8058 on rapid review of state regulation of economic activity
The adoption of draft law 8058 will create massive threats to the environment of Ukraine.
Beekeping as a Farmer’s Integrity Check, or Can Agrochemicals Be Eco-Friendly?
Ivan developed his own formula of symbiosis of farming and nature.
Hasn’t Plowed for 15 Years and Plants Nut Trees around Fields
Vinnytsia Farmer Maintains Soil Fertility.
No Synthetic Chemicals: a Unique Organic Farm in Shostka Raion
Practices used on this farm are beneficial to both the environment and the farm.
How to Make Production Truly Organic: Galex-Agro Experience
To arrange the production of organic agricultural products, you need time, money, and, most importantly, knowledge.
Open appeal to the member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Ukrainian public organizations, international organizations, and the scientific community appeal to the member states of the IAEA.
Joint Statement of NGOs, businesses and municipalities’ representatives on the role of distributed generation of renewable energy sources in Ukraine’s Recovery Plan Blueprint
We welcome formation of a regulatory framework and incentive mechanisms for the creation of energy communities and aggregators.
An open letter from the mayors of coal mining communities regarding Ukraine’s recovery process
Ecoaction have been cooperating with the mining communities of Ukraine and supporting them in the process of just transition.
Putting the green reconstruction of Ukraine into action: Requirements for programme design and policy
Ukraine will have to undertake a massive effort to reconstruct damaged or fully destroyed civilian infrastructure.
Open Letter of Ukrainian NGOs to the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs regarding sanctions against Russian fossil fuels
We welcome the Swiss embargo on Russian coal imports.
War and the Sea: How hostilities threaten the coastal and marine ecosystems of the Black and Azov Seas
Active marine hostilities and Russian warships putting the world at risk.
Ukrainian environmentalist: ‘To stop the war, start moving away from fossil fuels’
Our expert about this situation and the link between the war and fight against climate change.
Ukrainian coal towns still expect to be a part of the Just Transition
The mayors of the coal towns support the further path towards Just Transition.
Analysis of Ukraine’s Post-War Recovery Plan Blueprint and Ecoaction’s Recommendations
Ecoaction supports the cornerstone goals of Ukraine’s Recovery Plan Blueprint1, which was presented on July 4–5, 2022.
Ukraine Recovery Conference: environmental NGOs call for a green post-war reconstruction
The Centre for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction” and WWF-Ukraine call for recognition of the crucial role nature and clean technologies must play in ensuring a sustainable recovery from the war.
The message to the G7 leaders from the Stand With Ukraine Campaign
The G7 leaders must commit their political and economic powers into curbing global fossil fuel usage and bending the climate change trajectory.
Ukrainian NGOs’ appeal to Japanese companies: stop importing ALL Russian fossil fuels
We urge Japanese companies to recognize that fossil fuels in general are prone to geopolitical conflicts and price volatility.
Russian actions jeopardize Ukrainian and global climate efforts
Climate change and the war against Ukraine have a direct link to dependence on fossil fuels.
Civil society calls for efficient actions to stop Russian aggression in Ukraine
The production and export of hydrocarbons continue to finance Russia’s war against Ukraine and the killing of Ukrainian people and children.
Russia earned record fossil fuel revenues in the first 100 days of war, despite drop in export volumes
The EU imported 61% of this, worth approximately 57 billion EUR.
Ecoaction call on to exclude russia from the Food and Agriculture Organization
We call on the FAO to take into deeper consideration the naval blockade in the Black Sea, initiated by the Russian Federation.
No double gift for Putin!
Ukrainian and German environmental organizations warn: inclusion of fossil gas and nuclear power in EU taxonomy would be a even greater energy dependence on Russia.
European Parliament shall stop nuclear and gas in EU Taxonomy
GLOBAL 2000 and Ecoaction protest against Rosatom in front of the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA in Vienna.
Implications of the Russian military attack on Ukrainian nuclear facilities
During the night of 4 March 2022, buildings at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine were shelled by Russian tanks.
Planning for a green recovery
Ukrainian environmental movement started to plan how sustainabilty can be integrated in the rebuilding of their country.
Open letter to European Commission on strategic Reconstruction Plan for Rebuilding Ukraine
We would like to bring to your attention some aspects of the RebuildUkraine decision-making architecture and financial instruments and to suggest a few practical steps.
Concerns Over the USA’s Role in Nuclear Energy Prospects in Ukraine’s Post-War Green Recovery
Letter of Energy Transition Coalition on behalf of Ukrainian NGOs Ecoaction and others.
Statement of Ukrainian CSOs on 100 days of War in Ukraine and Fossil Fuel Embargo
Although the war started in 2014 with annexation of Crimea a new bloody chapter engulfed the whole country.
Small farmers are the backbone of food security during the war – and must continue to be supported in times of peace
Food systems are also about the quality of the food itself, the quality of the environment, and the quality of life.
Take back the land from the invaders, not from Mother Nature!
There is a large area of agricultural land in Ukraine that “works” in favor of the invaders.
Being on the right side of history means more than immediate profit – we call to stop imports of russian oil and gas
National governments of EU member states and individual companies continue to purchase russian fossil fuels.
Ecoaction’s Principles of the Green Post-war Reconstruction of Ukraine
Even though the war still rages on, the country’s reconstruction should be already planned.
The EBRD’s response to the war in Ukraine
Russia’s war in Ukraine has brought horror and destruction to the country, and has had a tremendous impact on the EBRD regions of operations.
What can the EBRD do to help restore hope for Green Cities in Ukraine?
Once Ukraine’s greatest hope for green development, the country’s cities have been fighting for survival since the Russian invasion began on 24 February.
Food security for all
The war in Ukraine, started by Russia, will have considerable global consequences on food shortages.
Green Reconstruction of Ukraine: Position of Civil Society
Civil society organizations developed principles on which the renovation of Ukraine should be based.
![Potential environmental impacts caused by russian aggression in Ukraine [Interactive map]](https://en.ecoaction.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/interactive-map-768x512.jpg "Potential environmental impacts caused by russian aggression in Ukraine [Interactive map]")
Potential environmental impacts caused by russian aggression in Ukraine [Interactive map]
Ecoaction has been monitoring cases of potential negative environmental damage following the start of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Whole world must unite against fossil fuels, dictators & wars – Ukrainian NGO
Unlimited extraction and burning of fossil fuels poses a dare threat to humanity due to climate change.
Since the start of the invasion in Ukraine, the world has funded Putin’s war with €63 billion
Coal and gas exports are rising and oil is falling.
Ecoaction’s activists called on Austrian government to support the EU ban on russian oil
Activists in Kyiv and Vienna addressed the Austrian Federal Government to stop blocking the EU oil embargo against russia.
36 years after Chornobyl accident Ukraine faces new unprecedented threats
What should be the international response to russia’s nuclear terrorism?
For the First Time in 2021: Ecoaction Experiments in Its Fifth Year
We did try many new things during our fifth year, while the world around us also evolved and developed, in particular, due to our efforts.
Despite war: stories of five Ukrainian activists who are now protecting Ukraine’s environment
Inspiring stories of Ukrainian ecoactivists.
Fossil Fuel embargo for freedom and the environment
Activists sought out a large poster near the German consulate in Lviv, demanding an immediate embargo on fossil fuel trade with Russia.
How activists urge Finland to ban russian fossil fuels
Activists have been blocking freight trains carrying russian coal to Finnland.
Ecoaction’s campaigner took over the Twitter account of a member of the German leading party
Michael Roth handed his Twitter account to Kostiantyn Krynytskyi.
Day 47 of full-scale war: almost 150 environmental crimes were recorded
Most of these crimes took place in Kyiv, Slobozhanshchyna region, Donetska oblast, and Southern Ukraine.
The Adaptation Fund board member supported Ukraine
We need to continue to unravel the ties that exist between Ukraine and the rest of the world.
We very much hope for the world support that will be with us until the end of the war
Ecoaction’s experts do their best to defend the interests of Ukraine and the environment on the world stage.
Ecoaction contributed to a land investigation by Serbian researchers
The topic of land relations is uncovered from a new angle, making it more transparent.
Lithuania completely cuts off russian gas imports
It is the first EU country to have cut off relations in the energy sector with the aggressor.
Ecoaction’s experts claim it is necessary to break up toxic relations of the world with russian fossil fuels
The Ecoaction’s team continues its work with foreign media, revealing information about our country.
Ukrainian CSO statement to world leaders: Implement Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Implement Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to stop fossil fuel addiction behind Putin’s war machine.
We can’t keep on waiting for the reaction of the EU – Poland bans russian coal
Polish government decided to adopt legislation that will allow a ban of russian coal.
Nature and war: how russian invasion destroys Ukrainian wildlife
russian invasion of Ukraine has been ruining people’s lives and civil infrastructure. But it also impacts Ukrainian wildlife.
German politician handed to Ecoaction his Twitter account for a week
Tweets about the situation in Ukraine appear on daily basis on the Twitter account of Yannick Haan.
Crimes against the environment after one month of Russia’s war against Ukraine
Many environmental crimes caused by russian aggression during the first month of the large-scale war.
Ukrainian NGOs raise alarm over shocking environmental crimes caused by Russian aggression
Experts and activists provided the first analysis of the war crimes against the environment in Ukraine.
We are losing our home: experts of NGO Ecoaction about impact of the war to the nature
Ecoaction has focused on informing the international society about the war in Ukraine.
Almost a third part of Ukrainian crops could be abandoned or inaccessible
The zone of risk farming is approximately 34% of the total land area of Ukraine.
Open letter on Russian nuclear industry and Rosatom
It is crystal clear that russia is using its nuclear company as one of the tools in the ongoing war
Climate: Ukraine’s hope for a green city lost amid devastated Mariupol’s rubble
They’re destroying not only people and infrastructure, they also destroy nature.
Silence Can Be Explosive: Five Experts Urge Governments to Halt Russian Nuclear Terrorism Now
Ukrainian NGOs demand international recognition of Russian military actions as the first ever case of nuclear terrorism.
10 steps to knock down the putinist regime in energy sector
Now the complicated decisions are needed to effectively ban Russia from further use of energy as a weapon.
The Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant without electricity: why even closed NPP poses a danger to a world
As the temperature of nuclear fuel rises, radioactive substances will be released into the environment.
Ban of russian fossil fuels may become the last step to defeat russia
Unprecedented sanctions against the aggressor are followed by ban of fossil fuels.
Russian invasion in Ukraine could threaten global food security and starve hundreds of millions globally
Due to expected substantial yield shortfalls, exports from Ukraine are highly unlikely in the coming marketing year.
The reasons Russia wants to occupy NPPs, and how the world can prevent it
The war is raging for nuclear power plants, and it is the first in history precedent of nuclear terrorism.
The speech of climatologist Svitlana Krakovska on 55th IPCC session
Representative of the Ukrainian delegation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change addressed the participants of the 55th session.
Ukrainian activists lead global demand to end fossil fuel addiction feeding Putin’s war machine
More than 450 organizations call on world governments to reject and ban importation of Russian oil and gas.
Call for action from Ukraine
What needs to be done for Russian troops to leave Ukraine immediately?
The war in Ukraine and implications for international energy security – press briefing
Russia started a massive military invasion of Ukraine, leading to humanitarian, environmental, and potentially nuclear catastrophe in the center of Europe.
On nuclear power plants in war zone in Ukraine
Ecoaction`s statement on nuclear safety amidst the full-scale russian attack on Ukraine
We ask to connect Ukrainian power system to ENTSO-E as soon as possible
Ukrainian NGOs urge an integration to ENTSO-E in view of the war with Russia
Ecoaction statement on Russian-Ukrainian war
We are grateful for all the support we feel from our international friend and partners.
Ecoaction and other Ukrainian NGOs elaborated Joint Position on Irrigation in Ukraine
Organizations overviewed the problem and argued why intensive irrigation is not a solution to water scarcity.
Climate March 2021 held: What’s next?
People marched at this year’s Climate March to demand funding for environmental activities from the authorities.
The Ministry of Energy has spoken in the words of climate activists
Ukraine, phase out coal by 2035, the Ministry of Energy said today.
Ukrainian government wobbles on the coal phase-out date
2035 is not the final coal phase-out date for the Ukrainian state-owned power plants, as was previously announced.
Communities exposed to dirty water: Myth or reality?
There’s a lack of systematic supervision of both the condition and quality of ground and surface water in the rural areas.
Ukraine sets a double date to phase out coal in power generation
The decision is unprecedented and should help Ukraine to get rid of some of the most polluting coal power facilities in Europe.
Ukraine has the second largest area globally of land controlled by foreign investors
According to an analytical report based on data on land acquisitions around the world.
The government has supported a just transition of coal regions by 2030. What does it mean and what’s next?
The government approved the Concept of the State Target Program for the Just Transition of Coal Regions until 2030.
Ecoaction’s statement on the potential development of nuclear energy
Ecoaction supports the inclusion of energy security and climate in the joint statement of Ukraine and the United States on strategic partnership.
Emissions of toxic substances from Ukrainian coal power plants in 2019 likely have killed 1315 people in the EU and twice as much in Ukraine – new study
Toxic emissions from Ukrainian coal-fired power plants are likely to have killed 2,690 people.
The first-ever “Coal Camp” for activists of Donetsk and Luhansk regions took place in Ukraine
The first Ukrainian “Coal Camp” for activists of Donetsk and Lugansk regions took place from 12 to 15 August 2021 in the city of Sviatohirsk, Donetsk region.
3 projects that will help transform coal mining regions
During the hackathon, we got acquainted with 13 inspiring local initiatives from Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Ecoaction’s position on the synchronization of Ukraine’s energy system with ENTSO-E
Ecoaction supports the connection of Ukraine’s energy system to the European network of electricity transmission system operators ENTSO-E.
Study: Coal Phase-Out Is Technically Possible and Can Bring Economic Benefits
This can lead to lower budget expenditures and increased tax revenues, job creation and GDP growth.
What environmental challenges did Ukrainian coal towns talk about at the Annual Meeting of the Initiative for coal regions in transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine
As of 2021 there are 9 towns in the Platform.
Cooperation of coal regions and local development – the main takeaways from the mining towns’ visit to Lviv region
The trip’s main objective was the exchange of best practices of local development etc.
Why is the need to tackle the industrial emissions problem in Ukraine so urgent?
According to the center’s experts estimate, in 2018 Ukraine lost 5.8% of GDP due to morbidity and mortality caused by toxic air pollution.
What the Ukrainian energy and industry climate ambition should be
What is required explicitly of the Ukrainian government to successfully combat climate change and adapt to it to prevent the situation from becoming critical?
Ukrainian coal-fired power plants are outranking the dirtiest power plants in Europe
Burshtyn TPP is the dirtiest power plant in Europe, and Ukraine emits more toxic dust containing heavy metals than all EU countries.
Ecoaction position concerning the Draft “On the Approval of Ukraine’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement”
We expect to integrate of the proposed recommendations and affirmation of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 65% of the 1990 level as soon as possible.
Ukraine must say “No” to new Chornobyl – activists
On the 35th anniversary of Chornobyl nuclear disaster Ukrainian activists from Ecoaction protested against the renewal of construction of two units of Khmelnytskiy Nuclear Power Plant.
What We Did in Our Fourth Year
On March 13, our organization turned four years old. During that year, we grew significantly.
Livestock complex for growing minks in Shulhivka village pollutes the water, simulation reveals
The livestock complex pollutes and will continue to pollute surface and groundwater in Shulhivka village in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine.
More than 40% of all agricultural land in Ukraine may lose fertility, according to research
The concentration of large tracts of Ukrainian land in the hands of a select few has led to a deterioration of soil and environmental degradation.
Barn burned down, burn and state budget or how much did the fight against the effects of climate change cost Ukraine’s state budget in 2020
Environmental problems are not only causing a headache for activists, but are also an additional financial burden on the state budget.
Climate change may prevent Ukraine from becoming an agricultural superpower
Remarkable climate data of this nature no longer has the power to shock as the reality of climate change becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
Ecoaction’s Position on the Use of Hydrogen
Ecoaction supports the EU-Ukraine cooperation within the framework of the European Green Deal initiative. We believe that hydrogen has a role to play in these processes.
Representatives of coal mining towns will now be able to influence the transformation of coal regions
Representatives of the Platform for Sustainable Development of Coal Towns became official members of the Coordination Center for Transformation.
Give women a voice to build better cities
New infographics on green cities and gender explain the importance of women’s participation in sustainable urban infrastructure development.
Open letter to the European Commission on “Green Deal” option for Ukraine
We are convinced that this is the right initiative at the right time, as a low-carbon-development path in line with the EGD will not only define Ukraine’s climate mitigation policy.
Economy and environment: to save one without destroying the other
Coronavirus crisis has changed the world in many fields with the world economy becoming one of its victims. However, there’s room for worse.
Ecoaction’s position on the launch of the German-Ukrainian energy partnership
Today in Berlin, the head of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and the head of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy signed a joint statement on the launch of the German-Ukrainian energy partnership.
Green recovery in post-Soviet countries
The pandemic revealed that many countries are unprepared for the crisis and are vulnerable to global problems. One such problem is climate change.
Coal mining towns will create a joint transformation strategy
Seven coal mining towns of Donetsk region will develop a joint transformation strategy.
Fight every crisis. How to recover from the pandemic and prevent climate crises
2020 was supposed to be a very important year for climate action. This year, countries are required to submit their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement.
Plus one: Toretsk joins the Platform for Sustainable Development of Coal Towns
This March a new member, the city of Toretsk, has joined the Platform for Sustainable Development.
Economic diversification, international support and cooperation. Main points from the meeting on the development of Donbas coal towns
The participants of the meeting analyzed the strengths of the Platform’s towns.
We are three years old! How have we reached this age?
Third-Year Performance Report by Center for Environmental Initiatives Ecoaction
“People are our main priority”. Zelenskyi says Ukrainian coal regions need a just transition
Just transition of coal mining towns must become a state policy.
Ecoaction board member talks about the issue of climate protection within Ukrainian society (Interview)
Renewables must not be a business for few only!
Ukraine will phase-out coal by 2050, but nuclear is still there. Ministry presented a new Concept
Ukraine will focus on energy efficiency, development of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles.
6 Donetsk region coal mining towns signed European Declaration on Just Transition
In late December 2019 mayors of 6 coal mining towns signed the Declaration of Mayors on Just Transition.
Ecoaction has presented a study on transformation of Ukrainian coal mining regions in the European Commission
Independent experts have compiled a list of specific recommendations on how to manage coal mines’ shutdowns.
An international platform for the transformation of coal regions will be established for Ukraine and the Western Balkans
Establishing of a dedicated “Coal” Platform for the Western Balkans and Ukraine was announced.
2000 people, 21 cities, 6 demands, and one planet: How the ukrainians joined the climate march
More than 2 thousands people came together in Kyiv for one purpose: to demand from the authority real action to fight climate change.
Communities support position
CEE Bankwatch Network is looking for candidates to fill the full time position of Communities support specialist.
How to ensure sustainable development of Ukrainian coal regions after unprofitable coal mines are shut down – international study
Independent experts from four European countries prepared an analytical study.
Coal mining towns of Ukraine’s Donetsk region establish a Platform for Sustainable Development
Representatives of the coal mining towns of Donetsk region signed a Memorandum of Partnership
Ecoaction is two years old: work done and achievements made
Now, we are ready to share our highlights and impressions for the year.
“There is no Planet B” – Ukrainian youth organised a climate strike
On 15th March near the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine (Kyiv) an action of the youth took place There is no Planet B!
The Land Question: land concentration and the agricultural land moratorium in Ukraine
This article considers how the ‘land question’ has developed over the past three decades, where we stand today, and what we can expect in the future.
Water is coming: Ecoaction presented a study on impact of sea level rise on coastal areas of Ukraine due to climate change
Ecoaction experts together with scientists presented results of the research “Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Areas due to Climate Change”.
Ecoaction Executive Director Iryna Stavchuk addressing Parliamentary Hearings on climate change
Dear Parliament’s Members and guests,
Recent publications
Climate damage caused by russia’s war in Ukraine
This interim assessment concludes that greenhouse gas emissions for seven months of the full-scale war totals at least 100 million tCO2e.
Putting the green reconstruction of Ukraine into action: Requirements for programme design and policy
What green reconstruction means concretely in every sector, what barriers to a green reconstruction currently exist, and how an optimal policy mix could overcome these barriers.
Financing Putin’s war: Fossil fuel imports from Russia in the first 100 days of the invasion
Fossil fuel exports are a key enabler of Russia’s military buildup and brutal aggression against Ukraine.
Food security for all
Adaptive, sustainable and decentralized agri-food systems will bring the economically viable and generally affordable production of food products.
What you need to know about the Green City Action Plan but your municipality won’t tell you
We developed a step-by-step guide on what the Green City Action Plan is, why citizen participation is important for improving the future of cities.
Taking stock of the global land rush
According to the report, Ukraine ranks 2nd in the world in terms of the total land area controlled by foreign investors.