Chapter 16

Chapter 16, Section 1
1. The Soviet Union was a command economy, in which the government made key economic decision. Today, Russia is a market economy, in which businesses are privately owned. In1991, instead of operation as kolkhozes and sovkhozes, farms began restructuring to function better in a market economy. Russia’s state owned aerospace industry and it military-industrial system were its economic and technical focus. Many of these components have become privately owned and provide export income. Russia depends on railroads and waterways for most of it transport needs. During the Soviet era, state agencies reviewed all print and broadcast materials to make sure they contained no criticism of the government. Since, the fall of the Soviet Union, Russians have heard and read new voices and fresh views.

2. Russia has focused on becoming a full partner in the global community by expanding trade and building international relationships.

Creative Writing: Mikhail Gorbachev began to move toward a market economy, in which businesses are privately owned. Gorbachev reduced government controls, and encouraged foreign investment. Russian president Boris Yeltsin removed 90% of price controls and encouraged the mass privatization (a change to private ownership) of state-owned companies.

Chapter 16, Section 2
1. The World Bank’s Sustainable Forestry Pilot Project is helping Russia manage its forests. Using land more wisely, protection forests, planting new trees, and increasing private investment all help Russia’s environment and economy. Environmental groups have demanded that the mining company in Kamchatka meet strict environmental standards.

2. Millions of fish and other marine animals die unnecessarily every year because anything caught in Russia’s fishing nets that are not needed gets discarded. Smaller boats cannot compete with supertrawlers, the big ships that threaten traditional fishing cultures. Pipelines built to transport oil and gas pass through wilderness areas and threaten the surrounding environment and wildlife. The widespread trend toward global warming is happening at a dramatic pass in western Siberia.

Creative Writing: The Soviets’ disregard for the environmental effects of industrialization damaged Russia’s water, air, and soil. Fertilizer runoff, sewage, and radioactive material all contribute to poor water quality which poses health risks. Toxic waste dumps and airborne pollution poisoned Russia’s soil. Petroleum pipelines that broke allowed petroleum to ruin the land. Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides polluted farmland and water. Acid rain and chemical pollution, due to poor air quality have reduced Russian forests dramatically.