Russia’s impact on climate and environmental pollution in the Arctic amid shifting geopolitics and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The war in Ukraine, launched by Russia 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 severe negative impact on the environment and climate, including in the Arctic. About one-third of the Arctic region, including the exclusive economic zone of the Arctic Ocean, falls within Russia’s borders. These areas hold vast reserves of oil, gas, and metals, which Russia plans to exploit to replenish its military budget. Industrial development, militarization of the region, and Russia’s environmental policies inevitably affect the entire Arctic.

Access to reliable information, including environmental data, has never been fully ensured in Russia, and after the war began, it became even more problematic. Some information stopped being published altogether, such as real-time data on oil and gold production, annual reports of major industrial companies, and data on industrial emissions and discharges. Independent local environmental organizations that were not affiliated with the state or business were shut down by authorities, while international organizations left the country for various reasons.

Environmental policy has ceased to be a priority even in rhetoric, while increased extraction and export of Arctic resources have gained additional importance for the Kremlin in funding its military budget.

Under these conditions our experts, who have years of experience working in Russia, monitor and analyze legislative changes, industrial company plans, the Northern Sea Route (NSR), the impact of international economic sanctions, accidents, and emergencies in the Russian Arctic – events that could influence overall changes in the Arctic region, including environmental pollution and climate change. This information can be useful to decision-makers in the international community to gain a detailed understanding of the processes taking place in Russia, and to develop appropriate measures to mitigate environmental risks posed by the country.

This information is equally crucial for those involved in designing and implementing economic sanctions against Russia to limit its ability to finance military operations in Ukraine. The effectiveness of sanctions could play a decisive role in the withdrawal of Russian troops from territory of Ukraine.