Transforming environmental education in Ukraine, developing a crisis-driven approach to interdisciplinary learning

This study analyzes the impact of conflict-exacerbated environmental crises on Ukrainian higher education sustainability efforts and proposes an innovative interdisciplinary course addressing current challenges in environmental and public health education. Using a mixed-method approach including analysis of educational data, expert discussions, and review of environmental management courses, significant gaps in Ukrainian environmental education were identified, including inadequate practical training and limited interdisciplinary approaches. The research highlights how military conflict has intensified existing educational challenges, including limited access to in-person classes, insufficient teaching staff qualifications, and students’ mental health difficulties. To address these issues, a new course structure was developed, emphasizing systems thinking, risk assessment, and practical crisis management skills. The proposed course aims to prepare specialists in environmental science, health, and public health to effectively manage complex environmental crises in conflict-affected contexts. Key components include environmental risk assessment, crisis leadership and communication, systems thinking, and decision-making in uncertain conditions. This study provides a novel approach to sustainability education tailored to Ukraine’s wartime situation, offering a framework for developing interdisciplinary courses that support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals while addressing urgent environmental challenges. The findings have implications for improving environmental and public health education in crisis-affected regions globally.