The environment in the Russian arctic: Status report¹

We would like to thank our many colleagues, who provided us with information on a variety of issues involving Arctic environmental problems. They include V. O. Mokievsky (Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences); L. T. Myach and her colleagues at the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, Russian State Committee on Hydrometerology, and Russian Academy of Sciences; and A. A. Tishkov and I. V. Pokrovskaya (Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences).

Abstract

An effort is made to comprehensively assess the extent of human modification of the environment in the Russian Arctic and immediately adjacent regions, using a wide spectrum of indicators. The paper begins with valuable descriptions of the specific character of environmental degradation (air and water pollution) in the major northern industrial centers (e.g., Noril'sk, Kola Peninsula, northern West Siberia) and Arctic seas of Russia. This is followed by a discussion of impacts of pollution on flora, fauna, and human populations; disturbance of permafrost; forest fires; overgrazing; mismanagement of commercially exploited animal resources; and loss of genetic diversity.

Notes

We would like to thank our many colleagues, who provided us with information on a variety of issues involving Arctic environmental problems. They include V. O. Mokievsky (Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences); L. T. Myach and her colleagues at the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, Russian State Committee on Hydrometerology, and Russian Academy of Sciences; and A. A. Tishkov and I. V. Pokrovskaya (Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences).