The glacier crisis is no longer a remote, abstract problem
The impact of Russia on climate and environmental pollution in the Arctic under changing geopolitical conditions caused by Russia's military invasion of Ukraine
The war in Ukraine, which Russia unleashed on February 24, 2022, is not only an act of barbaric aggression and a violation of international treaties but also a factor that has a serious negative impact on the environment and climate, including in the Arctic. Approximately one-third of the Arctic region, including the exclusive economic zone of the Arctic Ocean, is within the borders of Russia, where vast reserves of oil, gas, and metals are concentrated, which Russia plans to use to replenish its military budget. The industrial development, militarization of the region, and Russia's policy towards environmental protection inevitably affect the entire Arctic.Access to reliable information, including environmental information, has never been fully ensured in Russia, and after the start of the war, it has become even more problematic. Some information has been completely stopped from being published, for example, operational data on oil and gold extraction, annual reports of large industrial companies, and data on emissions and discharges from industrial enterprises. Independent local environmental organizations that were not affiliated with the state or business have been closed by the authorities, and international organizations have left the country for various reasons.
Environmental policy has ceased to be a priority even in words, and the increase in the extraction of Arctic resources and their export has gained additional importance for filling the military budget.
Under these conditions, Bellona experts, with many years of experience in Russia, monitor and analyze changes in legislation, industrial company plans, the Northern Sea Route (NSR), the impact of international economic sanctions, accidents and emergencies in the Russian Arctic – events that can influence global changes in the Arctic region, including environmental pollution and climate change. This information can be useful for decision-makers in the international community to gain a detailed understanding of the processes occurring in Russia and to develop adequate measures to reduce environmental risks emanating from Russia.
This information may also be of great importance to those who develop and impose economic sanctions against Russia to reduce the possibility of funding military actions in Ukraine. The effectiveness of sanctions may be crucial for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.