In this paper connection of environmental changes and oil and gas resources exploitation in the Russian Arctic is studied. The purpose is to predict the long-term consequences of environmental changes related to hydrocarbon activity in combination with climate changes in Russian Arctic. Ecological indicators and environmental parameters changes are presented. Monitoring of the Arctic environment and geo-information systems are studied. The forecasting changes of environmental parameters forms new conditions for the transition of the Russian Arctic to the trajectory of sustainable development.
The recent environmental changes of the Arctic are very severe. The changes of the environment will continue into the future and cause consequences in all spheres of Arctic life. Forecasting of the changes is important for the future projects in the perspective regions of Russian Arctic including the shelves of Barents, Kara and Chukchi seas. The purpose of this paper is to forecast the processes of the environmental parameter changes in Russian Arctic. The authors present the reasons for these changes connected with the development of oil and gas activity, considering the methods for forecasting the course of changes in future. The results of the study can be used for the programs of the sustainable development of Arctic regions, development of nature protection measures and preparation for society to adjust to future changes.
Well known reasons for the environmental changes in Russian Arctic is oil spills spreading and others connected with hydrocarbon's exploitation. The major hazard for the Arctic environment results from oil and its components that enter marine ecosystems from sewage discharges, accidental spills, navigation, and gas and oil production, especially directly on the shelf. Pollution is one of the main problems in the Russian Arctic region. Chemical pollution and spills are the most alarming issues.
