Putin's Russia will lead a 'new era of Arctic industrialisation'.

In this article the author discusses Russia's efforts to exploit the petroleum and natural gas reserves in the Arctic regions. According to the author, scientists and activists have urged caution, but Russian president-elect Vladimir Putin has vowed to develop the region, which includes offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling, the construction of sea terminals, and the promotion of a commercial shipping route. Topics include Putin's attitude toward environmentalism, the environmental impact of development and industrialization in Russia's Arctic territories, and Russia's history of oil spills and poor knowledge of habitats and biodiversity in its Arctic territory.