NEWSLINK: Scientists say new signs of global warming in Russian Arctic

[Scientists say new signs of global warming in Russian Arctic – AFP – November 22, 2012 – click here for full article]

AFP covers warming in the Russian Arctic:

The Russian Arctic is losing ice cover and being inhabited by species from the south in the latest sign of climate change, according to a group of Russian scientists.

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As the biggest Arctic nation, Russia has recently stepped up exploration, specifically aiming to expand its energy production by tapping into the vast reserves of the Arctic shelf.

The Russian government has not flagged climate change as a priority concern, with President Vladimir Putin famously saying several years ago that global warming of two to three degrees would be good for Russia, since people would not need fur coats.

Many experts say however that melting of permafrost in Russia’s vast northern territories would endanger its energy infrastructure, while fertile lands in the south of the country may become unusable for agriculture.

click here for full article: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Scientists_say_new_signs_of_global_warming_in_Russian_Arctic_999.html