Environmental changes in and around the Arctic region have been among the most pronounced changes related to climate change documented to date. The National Snow and Ice Data Center for example, continues to report on declining Arctic Sea ice trends, which are record setting in some cases.
Russia is no exception. One recent report in Polar Research shows an accelerated warming trend over Western Siberia over the years from 1966-1995. The trends continue today.
Because sixty per cent of Russian land is categorized as permafrost, a soil condition defined by temperature, a warming climate could potentially change the Russian landscape. Here are some sources examining those issues.
One series of research reports suggests that Russian warming trends will contribute to overall warming trends. Scientists have been measuring methane emissions from Peat Bogs in West Siberia, and have predicted increased emissions as areas of permafrost begin to melt.
Another series of questions deal with how changes in the permafrost landscape will influence Russia's sustainable development programs.
The map of Permafrost in Siberia shows the largest portion of land in the continuous permafrost category. (note: to retrieve a larger map, go to Arctic Environmental Atlas and add the following choices to the appropriate places on the map builder: 1. "Zoom to"="Siberia"; 2. "Theme"="Permafrost" plus check off all relevant boxes underneath the "Theme" category. Clicking on the "advanced mode" link at the bottom of the left hand column brings up more choices.; 3. Click the "refresh Map" button.; 4. Click the "larger map" link.)
Areas subject to changing permafrost conditions are of special concern because of the damage to buildings and infrastructure brought on by the changes in the soil composition beneath them. (see generally Permafrost and Changing Climate: The Russian Perspective)
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