In the context of current realities, the concern for environmental issues has become an essential part of our lives. Today, the threat of ecological disasters stands alongside nuclear threats. Although humanity has only recently begun to address environmental concerns.
1 Volodymyr Vernadsky
At the beginning of the 20th century, the ideas of Volodymyr Vernadsky regarding the biosphere (the layer of the Earth inhabited by living organisms) and the noosphere (the part of the Earth and the environment where human influence manifests) laid the groundwork for the development of modern ecological sciences. The scientist was one of the first to assert that humanity has a significant impact on the planet.
The ecological crises faced by major cities are not new, and thus past experiences can teach us a great deal.
London 1952
2 One notable example of ecological imbalance is the disaster in London that occurred in December 1952. At that time, the infamous Great Smog enveloped the city in a thick blanket of toxic emissions, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. These events were triggered by a combination of severe air pollution and weather conditions.
3 Faced with a cold winter, the residents of London began to burn coal in large quantities for heating, which sharply increased emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Simultaneously, due to an anticyclone that formed in the area, the air over the city became stagnant. These factors allowed the dense smog to linger over London for several days, specifically from December 5 to 9.
4 During this time, the toxic fog limited visibility, disrupted transportation, and led to serious health consequences for the people. The Great Smog claimed nearly 12,000 lives, with many more hospitalized for respiratory illnesses.
Only a few days after the disaster did the government begin to take action. This eventually led not only to an understanding of the seriousness of such catastrophes but also to the creation of effective solutions to combat them. There began a phased commitment to the development of green spaces, and in 1956, the first Clean Air Act was passed, regulating the use of coal and encouraging a transition to cleaner fuels.
Kyiv 2024
5 A similar situation occurred in the Ukrainian capital in mid-September. According to data from the IQAir service, the city recorded pollution levels that were 17.5 times above the safe norm, and in some metrics, Kyiv was surpassed only by other large cities experiencing seasonal environmental issues.
Such abrupt ecological changes were linked to weather conditions, lack of wind, and high temperatures. Additionally, fires in the Kyiv region and peat burning in several areas, particularly in the Brovary district, exacerbated the situation.
6 On September 20, Kyiv reached a peak in air pollution, topping the global rankings. Residents were advised to stay indoors and minimize ventilation. Soon after, temporary measures to reduce industrial emissions began.
By the end of October, the indicators stabilized, and pollution levels returned to moderate positions. However, experts predict that pollution issues may recur under similar climatic conditions.
7 Thus, similar to London in 1952, Kyiv faced the problem of accumulating toxic emissions. In both cases, urban smog was caused by weather conditions, the burning of coal or other fuel types, as well as transportation and industrial emissions.
This crisis moment once again highlights the necessity of environmental protection, and the experience of Britain serves as a reminder that every step in this direction, both individual and governmental, moves us away from ecological disasters.
Ecology at Home
An individual positive impact on the environment is an important and meaningful contribution from each resident that can help improve overall quality of life. Even small actions, such as waste sorting, conserving electricity, and refusing single-use plastics, can reduce the burden on urban infrastructure and lower pollution levels.
Kashтан NEWS offers tips for protecting the environment at the individual level:
8 1. Waste sorting. In Kyiv, several recycling points operate where one can drop off paper, glass, plastic, and metals.
“Ukraine Without Waste” is a sorting station and educational platform. The center accepts a wide range of waste, including plastic, paper, glass, and even complex waste like batteries and electronics. Guided tours and sorting workshops are also held here.
Recycling Points is an interactive platform that shows the nearest recycling points for secondary raw materials, including glass, plastic, metal, paper, and batteries. The platform also provides information about what each specific point accepts and offers sorting instructions.
9 2. Using reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics is the simplest way to reduce waste volume. Additionally, many organizations in Kyiv accept plastic caps and bottles for recycling for military needs. For example, among such organizations is the project “Ukraine Without Waste,” which collects plastic caps for recycling, helping to produce useful materials for the Armed Forces and volunteers.
0 3. Reducing energy consumption. Switching from traditional bulbs to LED lights can cut electricity consumption by up to 75 percent. Furthermore, one can maximize the use of natural light with mirrors: if placed correctly, they can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Speaking of electrical appliances, they should be unplugged when not in use, as they continue to consume energy otherwise.
The key is not to underestimate these simple ecological solutions, as such seemingly small steps contribute significantly to improving the quality of urban life and supporting the environment.
Daria FROLOVA