Environmental devastation, a significant consequence of industrial activity in Soviet times, continues to be a major problem in Russia. Specific problems include radioactive pollutants from inadequately monitored nuclear plants, illegal logging and wildlife poaching which have grown into hugely profitable businesses for criminal gangs, and toxic waste from unsanctioned and poorly controlled metallurgical, petroleum and agricultural chemical industries. This book presents a wide ranging assessment of the environmental problems faced by Russia and of the crime and corruption which contribute...