Russia is facing climatic changes that are more pronounced than in many other parts of the world. While
such changes have already led to environmental and socio-economical impacts, it is still debatable whether
climate change should become a matter of concern for the policymakers, business society, and population in
Russia, and whether development of the climate adaptation policies should be given high priority. The problem
is complicated by distinct differences in recent climate changes across the country, and by the absence
of societal preparedness to dedicated efforts to combat potentially detrimental consequences of the changing
climate. Impacts from climate change differ by region across Russia and range from damage to infrastructure
built upon thawing permafrost in the Russian North, flooding from unusually heavy rains, to
potential benefits in some regions, such as reductions in the heating energy demand, better conditions for
agriculture, an increase in the water resources of great Siberian rivers and a more navigable Northern sea
route. However, despite key regional concerns associated with climate change, regional adaptation policies
are yet to be developed.
