Glenn Garelik

Glenn Garelik, a reporter who writes frequently on the environment, lived in Russia from 1993 to 1995. In the following viewpoint, he argues that Russia and other former Soviet Union states are facing an environmental crisis. He describes the serious pollution situation in Kuzbass, a coal-mining region in Siberia, and asserts that such problems are common throughout Russia. Although both past Soviet and present Russian governments have passed environmental laws, Garelik writes, these laws are routinely ignored because of corruption and the lack of government resources to enforce them.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are some of the sources of pollution in the Kuzbass area, according to the author?
2. What are some of the health problems associated with pollution in Russia, according to Garelik?
3. What lesson does the...