Excerpts from the biography of Michael Brody — an environmental scientist

Abstract

This article views the problems of climate change and environmental pollution through the perception of an expert — Michael Brody, a professor at the American University in Washington. He has worked in the US Environmental Protection Agency for many years. Having vast research background in Russia, Ukraine, Central and Middle Asia, he touches upon several issues: the pragmatic approach to nature protection; the multi-disciplinary and strategically oriented character of contemporary higher education; the roles of economy and sociology in the environmental science; and the necessity of going beyond the desires of university professors when dealing with global problems. His attention focuses on socio-economic consequences of climate change for Western Siberia and different means of adapting to them. The rise of mid-annual air temperature in this region, which, although, might be viewed as a benefit of global warming, still inevitably leads to the change of hydrological regime. That in turn may affect the perspectives of agriculture development and food security provision. This article covers the research methodologies of leading nature-protecting organizations to develop effective regulative measures, preserving the environment. The contemporary Russian system of climate change and nature pollution control is based on the achievements of the Soviet experience, yet it attempts to become more economically relevant, which will allow the government to carry out their strategic policy. Michael Brody’s biography, presented here, is complemented with references to the works of other researchers who have worked on these issues.