Green Economy in Ukraine: Main Challenges and Prospects for Development in Wartime Conditions

The article explores the essence of the concept of «green economy». Its main goal is determined – achieving sustainable development based on three components: ecological, economic and social. The main characteristics of a «green» economy have been formed: efficient use of natural resources, preservation and increase of natural capital, reduction of pollution, low carbon emissions, prevention of loss of ecosystem services and biodiversity, growth of income and employment, etc. The ranking of countries according to the «Green Future Index» was analyzed. The top 10 countries in terms of environmental sustainability were determined, which are Iceland, Finland and Norway. It was found that Ukraine demonstrates an initial level of preparation in the field of the environment and climate change and occupies only 63rd place in the ranking out of 79 countries. The reasons for Ukraine's low position are well-founded: an imperfect regulatory framework, war in the country, limited financial resources, fragmentation of environmental policy, insufficient state support for green initiatives, and the lack of a strategic vision in the field of climate policy. It has been proven that the green economy remains a promising direction for the economic recovery and sustainable development of Ukraine. Its effective development is possible under the condition of sustainable development of all industries and saturation of both production and consumption with «green» technologies. The main prospects for its development in war conditions have been formed: green post-war infrastructure restoration, development of renewable energy, «green» agriculture and land restoration, rational use of water resources, clear formation of a culture of environmental responsibility, and others.