#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Russia will achieve a balance between anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and their absorption no later than in 2060. A decree on this was signed by president Vladimir Putin in October 2023. He called climate change one of the most serious challenges of the 21st century.
The doctrine is based on fundamental and applied scientific knowledge in the field of climate and related fields, including assessment of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing climate, the ecosystems protection (vulnerability) degree assessment.
Anna Riediger, candidate of biological sciences, deputy director of the National Committee for Environmental Safety, and member of the commission against corruption in the field of ecology and food, spoke about the essence of innovations and their impact on the Arctic on the Arctic Development Project Office (PORA) portal.The doctrine speaks of such possible adverse consequences of expected climate change as degradation of permafrost, disruption of ecological balance – displacement of some biological species by others, as well as an increase in the health risk of citizens belonging to certain social groups, an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, increased fire danger in forests, the spread of infectious and parasitic diseases”, the biologist noted.
The main risks, in her opinion, relate to economic infrastructure and main pipelines, which is especially important for the north of Western Siberia – due to the presence of the largest gas-bearing province of Russia in this area. Likely changes in the hydrological regime are associated with an increased risk of flooding at the mouths of some rivers flowing into the Arctic ocean, in particular the Yenisey and Lena.
“Other threats concern the replacement of some traditional biological species and ecosystems of land, fresh and sea waters, including in connection with the invasion of new species of plants, insects, and microorganisms. Risks and threats to the health and life of the indigenous population arise, including due to changes in lifestyle, nutritional structure and employment”, the expert concluded.
She especially noted the danger of increasing the systemic (synergistic) effect of the influences combination. An example is the aggravation of anthropogenic risks and threats to Arctic ecosystems as a result of easier access to the Arctic and intensification of its development, leading to environmental pollution and detrimental effects on the population, flora and fauna.
Earlier, the country launched a background monitoring system for permafrost; the damage from thawing permafrost in the Arctic over 30 years was estimated at seven trillion rubles, and scientists believe that preserving permafrost in the Arctic should become a federal task.
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Text: Marina Horoshevskaya, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
