Environmental issues in the Ukrainian media and the threat of sparrow extinction: what experts say
Environmental issues have always been important for society, but in the context of the war and global challenges for Ukraine, attention to them has noticeably decreased.
This is reflected in the media, where environmental issues take up only a small part of the total number of stories. In particular, such trends are of concern to experts, as even in difficult times, environmental issues must be addressed, as they directly affect the country’s long-term development. In addition, the nature of Ukraine has been particularly affected by the war due to military operations and environmental disasters.
Share of environmental publications in Ukrainian online media
According to a study conducted by the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), the share of materials devoted to environmental issues in 2024 was only 1.4% of the total number of publications in Ukrainian online media. This is an alarming signal, as the figure was 2% in 2021. IMI experts note that the 0.6% decrease is due to the focus of journalists on the war and its consequences. While this is understandable under martial law, such disregard for environmental issues could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine’s environment.
Environmental issues, including the impact of the hostilities on nature, are critical to the country’s long-term stability. The ongoing hostilities are not only destroying infrastructure, but are also damaging the environment through water, air and soil pollution. According to IMI media analyst Yana Mashkova, Russian troops are not only committing genocide against Ukrainians, but also causing irreparable damage to the environment, which can be called ecocide.
Main topics and media
The monitoring of Ukrainian online media showed that environmental issues still occupy a certain place on news platforms, albeit an insignificant one. The largest number of publications on this topic was recorded on the websites of such media outlets as Focus (3.6% of the total number of stories), Suspilne (2%) and RBC Ukraine (1.8%). The most frequently covered topics included air pollution, news about alternative energy, electric transport, water pollution and environmental research.
The lowest number of stories about the environment was recorded on TSN’s website (0.3%), which can be explained by the media outlet’s focus on news about crime, war and entertainment content. It should be noted that the materials on the environment were mainly related to the situation in Ukraine – about 59% of the news on the environment in the Ukrainian media were devoted to domestic issues.
The importance of cooperation with environmental organisations
IMI experts recommend that Ukrainian editorial offices cooperate more actively with environmental NGOs to obtain exclusive comments and up-to-date information on environmental issues. Such cooperation will help to respond more quickly to current issues and provide first-hand information. It is also advised to follow the activity of environmentalists on social media, which will allow you to create materials not only about problems, but also about initiatives and solutions.
Another useful step, according to experts, could be to turn to the experience of foreign media. International publications often cover environmental issues, and their experience can be valuable for the Ukrainian audience.
Environmental issues: reduction in the number of birds
One of the environmental issues that is not covered much in the media is the sharp decline in the number of birds, such as starlings and tits. This also applies to sparrows. According to Vadym Zhulenko, a Lviv ornithologist, there has been a significant decline in the number of these birds in recent years, which is becoming a serious threat to the ecosystem.
The Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Birds has declared 2024 the Year of the House Sparrow, as its numbers continue to decline sharply. There are three species of sparrows in Ukraine: house, field and black-breasted, but all of them are experiencing difficulties with survival. One of the main reasons is the decrease in the number of private houses where these birds usually nest. New construction technologies make houses more airtight, making it harder for birds to access nesting sites.
In addition, an increase in the number of garbage containers and the use of plastic bags make it harder for birds to find food. The decline in the number of households also deprives sparrows of a food source. At the same time, the increase in the population of cats in cities poses an additional threat to these birds, as cats actively hunt them.
Consequences of sparrow population decline
The disappearance of sparrows can have serious environmental consequences. Ornithologists point out that a pair of sparrows can kill up to 30,000 insects during the period of feeding their chicks. The absence of these birds in cities can lead to a significant increase in the population of pests, which threatens the health of trees and other plants. This, in turn, can upset the ecological balance and cause a chain reaction in urban ecosystems.
It is also important to pay attention to the growing number of pigeons, especially the blue pigeon, in Ukrainian cities. These birds displace sparrows, creating additional competition for resources. In addition, pigeons can transmit infectious diseases, which poses a threat to other bird species. For example, in the UK in 2005, avian diseases began to spread through contaminated feeders where pigeons ate, which led to a decline in other bird populations.
Thus, in 2024, environmental issues remain an important but underreported issue in the Ukrainian media. A decrease in attention to this topic amid the war and other social problems could have serious consequences for the country’s ecosystems. In particular, the disappearance of birds such as sparrows is a good example of how the environmental crisis can worsen due to a lack of proper attention from society and the media. Ukrainian society should pay more attention to environmental issues, as they affect not only the current generation, but also the future health of the nation and the environment.
