Zelenskyy on ecology: We don't have a spare Ukraine
The President called on responsible departments to intensify the fight against the deteriorating environmental situation in the country.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recorded a video address to the departments dealing with compliance with environmental legislation, calling on them to intensify the fight against offenses. This was reported by the President's Office on Wednesday, March 17.
The President noted the urgency of the deteriorating quality of air, drinking water, and products, which affects life expectancy and morbidity, and this issue concerns the whole world.
Zelenskyy noted that the population of Ukraine and the world are increasingly feeling the consequences of climate change and the growing man-made load on the environment - processes of irrational use of natural resources, degradation of forests, water basins, agricultural lands, as well as the inefficiency of the system for managing household and industrial waste have become widespread.
The President recalled the environmental disaster caused by illegal amber mining and deforestation.
"The scale and public danger of environmental crime require law enforcement and other state bodies to work at 200 percent of their capabilities. Intensifying the fight against environmental offenses should be one of the main priorities of criminal policy," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He recalled his words at the UN General Assembly that the world does not have a spare planet.
"Today I can tell you: we do not have a spare Ukraine. It must be flourishing, picturesque, with beautiful forests, clean seas, rivers, lakes, and clean air, which future generations of Ukrainians will breathe deeply. And all who hinder this - from criminals to civil servants who cover up - must contemplate the clear Ukrainian sky through bars," Zelenskyy summarized.
It should be noted that, according to the world ranking, the air quality in Ukraine deteriorated in 2020 - Ukraine ranked 43rd in terms of pollution, while a year earlier it was 60th.