P EOPLE AND T HEIR E NVIRONMENT : E ASTERN E UROPE

Managing Resources Rapid and intense industrialization without regard to the effects on the environment have damaged water quality. Illegal logging and the burning of those logs generates air pollution that has led to great losses in the area’s biodiversity. Interest in reforestation, or renewing forest cover, has increased, but countries continue to struggle with protecting the environment while providing opportunity for economic growth.

Human Impact Eastern Europe’s high concentration of industry and excessive reliance on coal have had a devastating impact on the environment. Waterways have been affected by acid rain and meltwater, the result of melting snow and ice that have carried pollution into lakes and rivers. As Eastern European countries have joined the EU, environmental protection standards and strict emission controls are helping to address these problems. People and Their Environment: Eastern Europe

Addressing the Issues Serious efforts have been made to help clean up the environment,but directing and funding cleanup is difficult because the process involves many countries. For countries not yet admitted to the EU, gaining membership provides an important incentive to manage resources and minimize environmental impacts. Cooperation among Balkan countries is needed to ensure effective resource management. People and Their Environment: Eastern Europe

P EOPLE AND T HEIR E NVIRONMENT : T HE R USSIAN C ORE

Managing Resources Russia’s rapid expansion in the oil and gas sectors has led to conflicts with organizations seeking to protect the environment. Drilling inside the Arctic Circle and pipelines travelling through protected areas generate billions of dollars, but these also threaten the surrounding environment. The use of super trawlers with huge trawl nets has led to the unnecessary death of millions of fish and marine animals.

Human Impact Soviet-era industrialization has damaged Russia’s water, air, soil, and forests. Nuclear wastes, the by-products of producing nuclear power and nuclear weapons, pose a devastating impact on the environment. The Chernobyl disaster, toxic waste dumping, and overuse of pesticides have polluted the air and water, resulting in health problems and sometimes even deaths.

Addressing the Issues Environmental groups have come together to demand an improvement in environmental standards. International regulation has encouraged steps to prevent further contamination. Conservation efforts continue to help Russia better manage its resources.