The Environmental Component in the System of Ensuring Sustainable Development Under the Prism of Modern Challenges

The article substantiates the importance of the ecological component in the system of sustainable development goals. The powerful potential of Ukraine's ecosystem and environmental problems, problems of ensuring an ecologically safe environment for people's life and health are outlined. Global challenges for ecosystems are characterized (destruction of the ozone layer of the atmosphere, global climate changes, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, harmful emissions, air and ocean pollution, drinking water problems, etc.). The significant negative impact of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine on the environment is described. Environmental threats from nuclear energy manipulations are singled out; from waste storage facilities, coal mines, chemical plants and other branches of heavy industry, especially those located in the zone of active hostilities. It is noted that the destruction/damage of water supply systems, sewage and waste storage facilities, etc. provoke significant damage with long-term consequences for the environment and human health. It is founded that most problems of environmental direction are problems of a global level. Directions for achieving climate neutrality within the framework of the European Green Course are indicated. The results of Ukraine in achieving climate neutrality are analyzed. The state and problems of environmental protection financing are analyzed. It was found that in the structure of expenditures from the state budget of Ukraine for all types of financing of environmental protection measures, current expenditures significantly prevail over capital investments. In the structure of current expenses, the largest share is spent on waste management. It is noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, the amount of funding for environmental protection has significantly decreased, which is justified by the great need for defense funding. It is founded that the transition to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for the modernization of economic sectors, requires a rethinking of the role of each member of society, but is at the same time an opportunity to ensure development based on the principles of sustainability. A system of measures to protect the environment and ensure environmental safety is outlined.