Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change

Russia is one of the countries most affected by climate change, as it is economically dependent on the export of hydrocarbons and two-thirds of its territory lies in the arctic north. Climate change brings drought and floods to the country's south, threatening agricultural exports. Thane Gustafson predicts that climate change will leave a dramatic imprint on Russia, with the decline of fossil fuel use and restrictions on hydrocarbons cutting fuel prices and slashing export revenues. Russia is unprepared for the worldwide transition to renewable energy and has not made efforts to offset the direct damage that climate change will do inside the country. Optimists point to new opportunities, but the eventual post-Putin generation of Russian leaders will face enormous handicaps. Klimat shows how climate change is poised to alter the global order, potentially toppling even great powers.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 12 November 2021
\n Publisher: Harvard University Press
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Russia, as a major power heavily reliant on the fossil fuel economy, stands to be profoundly impacted by the consequences of climate change. With two-thirds of its territory situated in the Arctic north, where melting permafrost is causing escalating damage, Russia is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Additionally, climate change brings drought and floods to Russia's south, posing a threat to its agricultural exports.

Thane Gustafson, in his predictions, suggests that climate change will leave a significant mark on Russia over the next thirty years. The decline in fossil fuel use is already underway, and restrictions on hydrocarbons will further tighten, resulting in lower fuel prices and reduced export revenues for Russia. However, Russia lacks alternative sources of revenue to replace its oil and gas earnings, highlighting the country's unpreparedness for the global transition to renewable energy. Furthermore, the state has failed to address the direct damage caused by climate change within its borders.

While some optimists see new opportunities arising from climate change, such as increased agricultural yields due to higher temperatures, the melting of arctic ice potentially opening year-round shipping lanes in the far north, and Russia's potential role as a global nuclear-energy supplier, the future generation of Russian leaders faces significant challenges. Russia's position will be weaker than at any time in the past century, as the country grapples with the multifaceted impacts of climate change.

Klimat, through its insightful analysis, provides a compelling perspective on how climate change is poised to reshape the global order, potentially upending the dominance of even powerful nations. This book serves as a valuable reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures and global cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

\n Weight: 510g\n
Dimension: 148 x 218 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780674247437\n \n