Alexei V. Yablokov
National Security Council of Russian Federation
Interagency Commission on Ecological Security
Moscow, 103073, Kremlin
RUSSIA
TEL: (095)925-23-27 FAX: (095)206-09-41
In Russia, men have demonstrated their incompetence in dealing with environment. The environmental situation in the former Soviet Union is critical. In 1964, the average lifespan in the country was higher that in the US (76 years). A catastrophic decrease of this indicator - by 2 years every year - can be witnessed since 1992. At least 30% of the reduction in life expectation is connected with environmental factors.
Russia leads the world in several environmental records: the Kara sea is the most radioactive sea on the planet, St. Petersburg is the largest world megalopolis without purification facilities, Surgut in the Western Siberia with its hundreds thousands of oil torches is the brightest place in the world, Severonickel is the dirtiest by air quality, the Aral sea is the first one destroyed by man. Areas of environmental disasters cover 14,5% of the Russian territory. Moreover, the territory is reaching the limit of its carrying capacity. Plundering of resources has reached unheard of proportions. According to the polls of public opinion, the state of environment is among six major problems of the country today.
On February 4, 1994 a Decree on Sustainable Development was adopted. However, a concept of sustainable development of Russia is still absent. Women should take a lead in its elaboration and implementation.
Return to Opening Plenary
Return to Home Page (Women, Politics, and Environmental Action)