- Нагорнюк, О.М. (orcid.org/0000-0002-6694-9142), Толочко, С.В. (orcid.org/0000-0002-9262-2311), Тарасенко, Г.С. (orcid.org/0000-0001-9394-2600) and Собчик, В. (orcid.org/0000-0003-2082-9644) (2026) Social-ecological research on the quality of life of the rural population during the war Суспільство та національні інтереси, 5 (25). pp. 720-740. ISSN 3041-1572
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Abstract
Socio-ecological research on rural areas during wartime is of exceptional relevance for Ukraine and focuses on assessing critical land degradation (over 1.1 million hectares require conservation), contamination of soils and water by heavy metals and explosive remnants of war, as well as the destruction of social, environmental, and economic infrastructure. These studies aim to develop land reclamation strategies, clean water sources, improve the quality of infrastructure in rural territorial communities, and restore the value of human capital-primarily through intellectual, spiritual, and eco-worldview development to improve the quality of life of rural populations. System analysis for assessing human impacts on rural territories serves as a comprehensive environmental management tool based on monitoring research, forecasting, and modeling changes in natural ecosystems and areas under anthropogenic pressure. It enables the identification of the nature, intensity, and risks of economic activity and facilitates the study of interconnections among environmental components, taking into account all of its elements: monitoring of air, soil, water, flora and fauna, including biotesting, as well as conscious human activity — the noosphere. Social vulnerability of the population leads to “short-sighted” natural resource use. The relationship between poverty and pollution has now been established. The authors have calculated a rural poverty index for 2010–2025 and found that 37% of rural residents in Ukraine live in extreme poverty, defined as USD 1.90 per day. It has been determined that low living standards compel the population to ignore environmental risks in order to survive. Thoughtless overconsumption of Earth’s resources by humanity leads to the planet’s inability to regenerate them, thereby creating an ecological debt. This depletes the planet’s natural capital and results in deforestation, air pollution, and water scarcity, directly contributing to increased rates of chronic diseases, allergies, and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses among humans. Research into the environmental characteristics of Ukraine’s rural areas is driven by the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainable development in these regions, encompassing not only economic and social aspects but also environmental ones. Under contemporary environmental challenges such as soil degradation, water pollution, and declining biodiversity, the development of human capital in rural areas becomes particularly significant. Environmentally balanced development (sustainable development) is a general concept emphasizing the need to establish a balance between meeting current human needs and protecting the interests of future generations, particularly their need for a safe and healthy environment. As defined by the Brundtland Commission in its report, it is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The authors propose a model of societal progress for rural development that harmoniously combines economic growth, social justice, and environmental security. This model ensures the satisfaction of these needs while restoring resources and maintaining ecosystems through modern energy-saving technologies, demonstrating the interdependence of social equity, environmental security, and economic growth.
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