Gas, environmentalism and native anxieties in the Soviet Arctic: the case of Yamal peninsula

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Abstract
Exploitation of large gas deposits in Yamal peninsula, due to start in 1991, has been postponed until the late 1990s. Technical difficulties and rising costs are becoming apparent, while environmentalist and native-interest lobbies are becoming vociferous about the serious ecological and social impact of pipelines on wildlife, fishing and reindeer herding. An extensive public debate has developed, some of it opposed to the powerful gas ministries. Yet gas exports still play a key role in the Soviet economy, itself in the process of reform. The situation is thus in a state of uncertainty.