Clara Ferreira Marques, Columnist

Arctic Damages Are Only Half a Green Victory

A fine of $2.1 billion could spur other polluters to clean up their acts, but one penalty is just the start.

July 8, 2020 at 8:59 AM UTC

Clara Ferreira Marques is a managing editor for Commodities and Energy in Asia. Previously, she was a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and editorial board member.

Cleaning up the soil and waterways of the Arctic region.
Photographer: Irina Yarinskaya/AFP via Getty Images

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Russia’s ecological watchdog has determined that a diesel spill in the country’s far north has caused nearly $2.1 billion of damage, and asked the miner MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC for compensation. If that translates directly to what is paid up, it will be one of the largest fines levied for pollution in Russia, and could jolt other heavy polluters to start cleaning up their act.

At best, though, this is a partial win for the environment.