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.