Russia’s War in Ukraine Escalates Environmental Crisis in the Caspian Sea

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, spearheaded by Russia, is intensifying the environmental plight of the Caspian Sea. Already grappling with Pollution and ecological decline, the sea is facing new threats due to military activities, including the launching and detonation of missiles which introduce a host of pollutants such as chemicals and debris. These actions not only contaminate the water but also disrupt marine life by altering their migration, breeding, and feeding patterns.

Source: DW News/YouTube

Concerns extend beyond environmental degradation, touching on legal and geopolitical issues. The 2018 Caspian Convention, agreed upon by all littoral states except Iran, mandates the use of the sea for peaceful purposes. However, interpretations vary, with some experts like Kamal Makili-Aliyev of Sweden’s Gothenburg University suggesting flexibility in its application, thereby not explicitly prohibiting military presence.

More pressing, perhaps, is the violation of the Tehran Convention, aimed at protecting the marine environment of the Caspian Sea. Significant environmental damage linked to military actions could potentially trigger this provision, requiring formal complaints and leading to international arbitration—a scenario that seems unlikely given the geopolitical sensitivity and the reluctance of Caspian states to confront Russia.

Amid these tensions, a critical environmental issue has come to the fore: the falling water levels of the Caspian Sea. Predominantly fed by Russia’s Volga River, the sea’s water input has been diminishing due to Climate change exacerbated by infrastructural adjustments like dams, and more recently, by heightened water usage in response to Western sanctions. This reduction in water levels is attributed by some, like Iran’s Environment Department head Ali Salajegheh, to deliberate actions by Russia to compensate for economic sanctions.

The repercussions are widespread, affecting not only the ecological balance but also maritime activities crucial for trade. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, vital for connecting China and Europe, faces threats from reduced water levels that impair shipping capabilities, necessitate more frequent dredging, and disrupt port operations.

As Azerbaijan prepares to host the COP29 international Climate change conference in November 2024, it presents an opportunity to spotlight these issues and foster regional cooperation. However, given the ongoing conflict and Russia’s persistent military activities in the Caspian, effective resolution seems daunting. Without concerted international effort and geopolitical will, the future of the Caspian Sea remains uncertain, mired in both environmental and political turmoil.

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