People and Their Environment: The Russian Core Managing Resources Russia’s rapid expansion in the oil and gas sectors has led to conflicts with organizations seeking to protect the environment. Drilling inside the Arctic Circle and pipelines travelling through protected areas generate billions of dollars, but these also threaten the surrounding environment. The use of supertrawlers with huge trawl nets has led to the unnecessary death of millions of fish and marine animals.

People and Their Environment: The Russian Core Human Impact Soviet-era industrialization has damaged Russia’s water, air, soil, and forests. Nuclear wastes, the by-products of producing nuclear power and nuclear weapons, pose a devastating impact on the environment. The Chernobyl disaster, toxic waste dumping, and overuse of pesticides have polluted the air and water, resulting in health problems and sometimes even deaths.

People and Their Environment: The Russian Core Addressing the Issues Environmental groups have come together to demand an improvement in environmental standards. International regulation has encouraged steps to prevent further contamination. Conservation efforts continue to help Russia better manage its resources.