The Danger of Climate Change for Russia - Expected Losses and Recommendations

Author(s): Alexey Kokorin, Inna Gritsevich
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 23
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2007

Global warming could significantly change the Russian climate, though it will affect different parts of the county in different ways. The impact will be especially strong on Russia's extensive permafrost and forests. Rising temperatures will also influence the economy and people's lifestyles. Among potential positive changes are reductions in the winter heating season and a longer growing season for Russian agriculture. But it is not clear that Russia will be able to take advantage of these benefi ts: the country will also face higher temperatures, shifting climate zones, more droughts, forest fires, and extreme weather phenomena. Many types of plants and animals will be threatened. Russia can help to limit the possible adverse consequences, but doing so will require skillful management and the introduction of a wide range of new policies.

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