Shortly before the recent global meeting on climate change, COP30, in Brazil, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that Russia prefers to focus on its own interests rather than engage deeply with Western nations on this issue. While Russia did send representatives to the conference, environmental concerns are not a priority for the country.
Over two years ago, the Russian government branded several major environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), as “undesirable.” This designation has severely restricted their activities within Russia. Despite being banned, groups like the Bellona Environmental Foundation continue to report on Russia’s environmental issues using publicly available information. However, according to the WWF, they are no longer operating in Russia.
In 2023, the Russian Socio-Ecological Union (RSEU) noted that 38 environmental organizations were labeled as “foreign agents,” leading 25 to cease operations completely.
Vladimir Slivyak, co-founder of the Russian group Ecodefense, shares that despite the challenges, some environmental activism continues in Russia, albeit covertly. He revealed that activists are now working from abroad, using remote monitoring tools like satellites to track environmental changes without being physically present.
The situation has grown dire for many environmental activists in Russia. Bellona notes that international NGOs have been forced out, and local activists face intimidation, imprisonment, or exile. Only those willing to align with the state’s military and political agenda remain active.
Nail Farkhatdinov from the organization Arctida says that while their work is now less visible, there are still dedicated activists locally pushing for change. They may lack the spotlight, but their efforts persist.
Interestingly, the Russian government sees the impact of climate change as an opportunity rather than a threat. As the Arctic ice melts due to rising temperatures, it opens up new shipping routes, like the Northeast Passage, which they view as beneficial for trade.
Farkhatdinov describes a movement toward what he calls an “alternative environmental agenda,” where the state promotes a narrative that improves its image while masking environmental degradation. These state-affiliated organizations often misrepresent their impact, calling into question their credibility.
The environmental landscape in Russia has deteriorated significantly. Slivyak points out that the government has increasingly ignored pressing environmental issues, leading to dire consequences like natural disasters and public health risks that threaten both the environment and Russia’s economy.
In a 2023 report, researchers highlighted that 487 activists faced state repression in recent years, including intimidation and arrest. Despite the crackdown, protests continue. In 2022 alone, 580 environmental demonstrations took place across Russia, addressing issues like illegal mining and forest conservation.
Slivyak argues that environmental activism in Russia has become akin to political dissent. He describes a climate where any unauthorized activity is labeled an attack on the regime, further complicating efforts to advocate for environmental protection.
Looking ahead, the future of environmental activism in Russia is uncertain. The state’s grip on society tightens, and while some activists persist, their ability to effect change remains considerably weakened.
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