The impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine has been devastating both politically and environmentally. On top of the environmental damage directly caused by military operations, the invasion has put an abrupt end to the EU-Russia “green cooperation”, which had previously raised many hopes. At the same time, it has also shifted international attention away from climate and environmental concerns, which are particularly acute in the post-Soviet region.
This Report analyses some of the main climate change and environmental issues in the post-Soviet space, providing an initial assessment of the invasion’s impact. The bulk of the latest scholarly and policy production on these matters focuses on Russia — given the country’s geopolitical and energy relevance. However, this analysis finds that environmental disasters such as the desertification of the Aral Sea transcend state borders and require a broader approach both from an analytic and policy standpoint.
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Table of Contents
Introduction, Paolo Magri – ISPI Executive Vice President
1. Russia’s “Green Shift” and What It Means for Neighbouring Countries?
Richard Sakwa – University of Kent
2. War and Decarbonisation: EU-Russia Energy Relations in Crisis
Marco Siddi – University of Cagliari
Eleonora Tafuro Ambrosetti – ISPI
3. Food as a “Silent Weapon”: Russia’s Food Security Strategy
Elena Maslova- HSE University
4. How Is Climate Change Shaping Russia’s Arctic Policy and Activities
Pavel Devyatkin – Arctic Institute
5. Environmental Challenges and Opportunities Posed by the BRI in Central Asia
Aliya Tskhay- University of St Andrews
6. Desertification of the Aral and the Caspian Seas: Patterns and Political Implications
Stefanos Xenarios – Nazarbayev University
Jessica Neafie – Nazarbayev University
Conclusions
Aldo Ferrari – Ca’ Foscari University and ISPI
Eleonora Tafuro Ambrosetti – ISPI
