An ever cleaner union?

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In 1990, Ukraine emitted over 923,000 Gg of greenhouse gases, ranking it among the highest polluters globally, alongside the U.S., Russia, Japan, and Germany. However, by 2005, emissions had significantly decreased to 419,000 Gg, marking a nearly 55% reduction—an achievement unmatched by other major polluters. In comparison, Poland, an EU member, reported a drop from 485,000 Gg in 1990 to 399,000 Gg in 2005, indicating a 30% reduction. This suggests that Ukraine has made more substantial strides in environmental policy than Poland, as it is no longer listed among the world's ten heaviest polluters. Despite these reductions, Ukrainian environmental NGOs warn that the country is “on the brink of an ecological disaster.” In contrast, Poland has shed its previous label of “a country of ecological catastrophe” and is now recognized for its remarkable environmental progress since joining the EU. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of environmental achievements, where significant reductions in emissions do not necessarily equate to overall ecological health or public perception.