Is their habitat being destroyed?

The Nenets are nomadic reindeer herders. They have inhabited the Yamal Peninsula in western Siberia for more than 200 generations, traveling with their herds across the barren landscape in search of food for their animals. But since the discovery of massive natural gas deposits there, their habitat is under threat.

Companies including Novatek, Total and the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation have flocked to the region. Towns have been built, as well as a railway line and an airport. Nuclear-powered icebreakers head for the remote region and boreholes crisscross the landscape.

All of this leaves its mark on the local ecosystem. It also accelerates climate change. The permafrost is already thawing. Extreme weather is increasing. Climate conditions have become almost impossible to predict. All of this makes nomadic life almost impossible. 

The gas deposits have made the region rich. But the Nenets see little benefit. An estimated 70 percent of the indigenous population live below the poverty line. The Nenets are not complaining. They know that they would lose a fight against the government. They are trying to adapt. But at what cost? And for how long can they preserve their ancient way of life? 

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SAT 30.11.2024 – 11:03 UTC
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