Siberia: Gazprom, a pipeline and the last nomads | DW Documentary

The Yamal Peninsula, a resource-rich region in Siberia, is undergoing rapid industrialization due to Gazprom's natural gas extraction, impacting the Nenets people's nomadic lifestyle. The documentary explores the Nenets' traditional reindeer herding, the challenges posed by industrial development, and the potential for the Nenets' way of life to persist amidst these changes, emphasizing that while the gas industry will eventually deplete its resources, the Earth will recover.

Gazprom's Gas Field

• 00:00:19 Gazprom initiated a major project to develop the Karvei gas field on the Yamal Peninsula, a region with 80% of Russia's natural gas reserves. This project has resulted in industrialization and the construction of infrastructure such as pipelines and roads, leading to significant environmental changes and impacts on the Nenets people who reside there.

Nenets Reindeer Herding

• 00:00:54 The Nenets are nomadic people who traditionally herd reindeer across the Yamal Peninsula, covering over 1200 km annually. Reindeer herding is central to their livelihood and cultural identity, providing them with food, clothing, and transportation. The Nenets have a deep connection to the land and rely on traditional knowledge and skills to navigate the tundra and ensure the survival of their herds.

Industrial Impact on Nenets

• 00:09:11 The expansion of the gas industry has led to significant changes in the Yamal Peninsula, altering the Nenets' traditional way of life. The construction of roads and pipelines, and the growth of towns for industry workers, has reduced Nenets grazing lands and created obstacles to their traditional migration routes. These changes also result in noise and air pollution, impacting the health and well-being of the Nenets and their reindeer.

Arctic Development & Northern Sea Route

• 00:12:09 Russia is prioritizing the development of the Arctic region, seeking to become a leading energy exporter. This includes developing the Northern Sea Route, a 6,000 km passage along the Siberian coast that would enable year-round shipping, transporting natural gas to Asia and other countries. This development will further industrialize the region, potentially leading to more environmental consequences and impacting the Arctic ecosystem.

Climate Change Impacts

• 00:30:20 The extraction of hydrocarbons from the Arctic, including the Yamal Peninsula, is accelerating climate change. The thawing permafrost, melting ice, and changing weather patterns are altering the environment and impacting the Nenets' traditional indicators for climate and wildlife migration. This rapid change poses new challenges to the Nenets' survival and requires adapting their traditional knowledge and practices.