Taiga

   A Russian word of Turkic origin, taiga refers to an ecosystem characterized by coniferous, evergreen forests, as well as swamps, bogs, and lakes. The largest of the earth’s biomes, the taiga covers much of the northern areas of the North American and Eurasian continents, including northern European Russia, most of Siberia, and parts of the Russian Far East.

   The taiga region’s climate is continental, with winter lasting approximately six months of the year. Due to the poor soil quality, agriculture is extremely difficult. The taiga’s indigenous populations, including Sakha, Evenks, Mansi, and Komi, have traditionally engaged in reindeer herding, hunting, and fur farming, though forestry, mining, and petroleum extraction are increasingly becoming sources of employment. Sparsely populated, much of the Eurasian taiga was conquered by Cossacks during the 16th and 17th centuries, creating what has been called Russia’s “boreal empire.”

   Ecologists are increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change on Russia’s boreal forests. Global warming is resulting in massive discharges of carbons from the area, which in turn further elevates temperatures. Central Siberia, the heart of the Eurasian taiga, has seen a 2°C increase in average temperature since 1970. Forest fires, acid rain, and invasive species have exacerbated the problem in recent decades. Efforts to protect the taiga figured prominently in the international community’s attempts to have Russia join the Kyoto Protocol.

   See also Environmentalism.