Ukraine - Russia Conflict Impact

Today we had virtual collaboration between individuals in Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the United States as part of a virtual exchange with the Global Agriculture Learning Center. Each month these students gather via Zoom to discuss topics in agriculture. In the past month the eyes of the world have turned to Ukraine. This morning students came together from several continents to share their experiences and insights around the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and Russia. We want to challenge all reading the blog to continue these conversations. Below you will find questions that we posed to the group that gathered and shared their responses this morning. 

Reflect and Discuss the Following:

• How is the ongoing conflict impacting you/us personally and professionally?
• How does the conflict influence agriculture (i.e. crop production, animal science, horticulture, viticulture, etc.)?
• How does the conflict influence biodiversity?
• What can we do to ensure food security?
• How might things change as a result of the conflict? What might be done differently or what opportunities may arise?

Ukraine - Russia Conflict and Lebanon Wheat Worries

The Ukraine - Russia conflict is causing great upheaval and challenges in the region, but as we have seen in many instances the conflict is having impacts around the globe. One of the countries that is being impacted is Lebanon due to their reliance on wheat from Ukraine. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Ukraine crisis worries Lebanon over its wheat reserves

Discussion Points

• Why is the conflict in Ukraine and potential wheat shortage so troubling to the country and people of Lebanon?
• Imagine you are a top diplomat with the Lebanon government. What might you do to ease fears and alleviate the problem? How and why would you go about things the way you would?
• How might the escalating conflict in Ukraine impact other countries around the globe including your home country?
• If countries outside of Ukraine are concerned about food insecurity what might food insecurity look like in Ukraine? In what multiple ways is Ukraine's food supply/system being impacted?