Chairman of the Public Council at Roshydromet Vadim Petrov: Every volunteer is a future specialist for the Arctic

Speaking at a thematic session of the “Arctic. The ice has broken” Forum in Usinsk, Komi Republic, Russia, Vadim Petrov, Chairman of the Public Association at the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, told the audience about what can help society adapt to climate change and what role volunteers play for the Arctic regions.
“Lately, we have been talking a lot about climate change, but the issues of adaptation to these changes remain in the background. But the adaptation of society to changes in the Arctic is extremely relevant - these are the consequences that relate to people's lives, development of territories, infrastructure, agriculture, etc. And the vulnerability of society in the Arctic regions to all these new challenges will broaden, and the economic damage will increase,” Vadim Petrov believes.
According to the expert, in order to adapt to these changes, a clear program and qualified personnel are needed who are ready to work in the Arctic.
“In this regard, the Clean Arctic federal project today is one of those institutions that is aimed at stimulating and shaping young professionals in the Arctic. The Arctic is a very difficult region, and the formation of personnel here is possible precisely through acquaintance and volunteering. Therefore, every volunteer today is a future specialist for the Arctic. And the Clean Arctic project is today a social ladder for those professionals who can provide us with this adaptation to climate change,” said Vadim Petrov.
At the first forum-festival “Arctic. The Ice Has Broken” volunteers, representatives of environmental organizations and movements, social activists and students from all 85 regions of the Russian Federation, as well as those from the Lugansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic, gathered in the Arctic city of Usinsk. In total - more than 200 people. Together with representatives of the authorities, educational organizations and large companies, they discuss the development of the Russian North, the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, the tourism potential of the Arctic zone, and much more.
The forum is included in the plan of the major events of the Russian Chairmanship in the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which is operated by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of Clean Arctic, an autonomous non-commercial organization. The event is held with the assistance of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation and the State Duma, the government of the Komi Republic, and the administration of the municipality of Usinsk.