The Ukraine Conflict: Ecological and Demographic Aspects

The conflict in Ukraine has impeded ecological policies in Europe and elsewhere. Environmental protection and energy conservation are less popular in Russia than in other industrialized countries. The war itself is damaging for the environment having global repercussions, worsening energy and food supply. As food prices rise, some nations are likely to cope by converting forests to fields. International tensions and conflicts are among reasons to boost childbearing in Russia and some other countries. The overpopulation and gender imbalance are increasingly important these days as potential causes of conflicts. The growing excess of males in consequence of sex-selective abortions may contribute to militarism. In the past, overpopulation was counteracted by wars, pestilence and famine. Today, scientifically based humane methods can be used to regulate the population size. Under conditions of globalization, the overpopulation and environmental damage can be efficiently counteracted. Among advantages of globalization are the ecological management, governance of the world economy, control of warfare and fostering of transnational democracy. A globally coordinated unemployment protection would inhibit migrations and help people to develop professional skills according to new demands. Of particular importance is the globalization of human rights. Great projects could be accomplished by the unified humankind to improve the quality of life worldwide: irrigation systems, nuclear and other energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels, hydroelectric power plants on large rivers to produce hydrogen as eco-friendly energy carrier. Without procreative competition, different peoples would be more likely to live in peace. The equality principle would automatically affect populations with higher birth rates. A justification for the use of force as a last resort is to provide the breathing-space for morals and truths to be established. Should the power in Europe shift to the East, it would come along with losses of some moral values. Disregard for laws and regulations, corruption and collectivism will come instead. The quality of many services and products will decline. Certain aspects of public health are briefly delineated in this connection. A preferred alternative would be a leadership centreed in developed parts of the world, based on the principles of mercy, modesty and forgiveness, aimed at preservation of human life and health. The role of Russia as a regional superpower would be honorable and satisfactory for sober-minded citizens. Instead of machismo and militarism, the propaganda should popularize the image of scrupulous and hardworking people. Ukraine must become a test field for the international trust and cooperation.

Keywords: Ukraine, Armed Conflict, Demography, Environment.