Environmental quality in USSR in 1989

The terrestrial ecosystems of the USSR are spread over an area of about 22 million square kilometers, while its aquatic ecosystems constitute an additional 10 million. The environmental health of this territory, representing one-sixth of the earth's land surface, thus has a significant impact on the overall environmental integrity of the planet. The safeguarding of USSR's environment, however, requires a concerted international effort. The pollutants borne by the Danube, for example, which passes through several European countries before emptying into the Black Sea, are responsible for 75% of that Sea's pollution. With the aim of contributing to international environmental pollution abatement efforts, a thorough survey of the ecological health of the USSR's ecosystems was prepared. The data was divided into the following categories: air, internal surface waters, coastal waters, main sources and volume of pollution, territorial resources, underground natural resources, biological resources, controlled areas, regional ecological problems and state of public health. Assessments were made of specific socio-economic factors affecting USSR's environmental quality, and of this nation's level of knowledge in the field of environmental protection. Responsible administrative bodies and current action being taken in environmental protection, as well as, international agreements and activities were identified