Journal of Environmental Studies

Review Article

The Conflict around Ukraine: Social and Environmental Aspects

Jargin SV*

Department of Pathology, People’s Friendship University of Russia, Russian Federation
*Address for Correspondence: Jargin SV, Department of Pathology, People’s Friendship University of Russia, Russian Federation; E-mail: sjargin@mail.ru
Submission: 10 October, 2022
Accepted: 12 November, 2022
Published: 14 November, 2022
Copyright: © 2022 Jargin SV. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

The conflict in Ukraine and ensuing energetic crisis has hindered environmental policies in Europe and elsewhere. The war itself has severe environmental implications. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both major agricultural countries, has negative impact on the global food supply. As food prices rise, some nations are likely to cope by converting forests and grasslands to fields. International tensions and conflicts are among reasons to boost childbearing in Russia and some other countries. The necessity of birth control has been obfuscated by conflicting national and global interests, the population growth being regarded as a tool helping to the national sovereignty and defense. The demographic growth contributes to the scarcity of energy and food in many regions. The energy could be supplied by nuclear power plants (NPPs). Well-managed NPPs pose less of a risk than those running on fossil fuels. Obviously, a lasting peace is needed, since NPPs are potential targets. In the past, the overpopulation was counteracted by wars, pestilence and famine. Large projects could be accomplished to improve the quality of life all over the world: irrigation systems, nuclear and other energy sources instead of fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power plants can be built on large rivers to produce hydrogen as eco-friendly energy carrier. Such projects would create many jobs, being a reasonable alternative to excessive military expenditures. Should the power be displaced to Russia, it may come along with worldwide decline in liberties and human rights. Some disregard for laws and regulations, corruption and mass intimidation would come instead. As for the healthcare and medical research, various kinds of professional misconduct may spread to other countries. Environmental protection, waste management and alternative energy sources would lose priority. The culture of environmental protection is less popular in Russia than in other industrialized countries. Instead of machismo and militarism, propaganda should popularize the image of scrupulous and hardworking people. Moral principles, based on modesty and mutual help aimed at preservation of as much life and wealth as possible should be invigorated. Ukraine must become a testing ground for the international cooperation.