The impact of oil and gas production on the state of forest systems in the Irkutsk region

Abstract

Oil and gas production today is the basis of the economy of many countries, including Russia. "Energy Strategy of Russia for the period up to 2030" provides for an increase in the production and export of oil and other non-renewable natural resources. However, it must be understood that this will also lead to an increase in environmental risks and problems associated with the development of this industry. The oil and gas industry is one of the "leaders" in terms of negative impact on the natural environment in general and forest ecosystems, in particular. A feature of oil and gas production is that the negative impact is exerted on almost all components of natural ecosystems — atmospheric air, landscapes, soil cover, surface and groundwater, flora and fauna. On the territory of the Irkutsk region, the oil industry is developing mainly on the lands of the forest fund, so forestry primarily experiences the consequences of its activities. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of oil and gas production on forest ecosystems. In the course of the work, data from reports on the state of the natural environment of the Russian Federation, the Irkutsk Region, official statistical and reporting data from Rosprirodnadzor, the Ministry of forestry, and oil companies were used. An analysis of large deposits of hydrocarbon resources in the region is carried out, elements of the hydrocarbon production system, which are characterized by the greatest negative impact on forest systems, are revealed. The results of the analysis of the effectiveness of the implementation of the principles of "compensatory reforestation", which is designed, among other things, to reduce the negative burden on the forest environment by restoring forest areas, are also presented.