Russian eco-disaster may dilute calls for softer rules

Significance

The major argument is whether the Norilsk accident was due to shoddy maintenance or climate change; the conclusions reached will shape future regulatory policy.

Impacts

• The Norilsk disaster raises broader corporate responsibility issues affecting single-industry 'monograd' towns.
• Disputes about the cause of the oil spill will become politicised as Norilsk Nickel's rivals and opponents seize their moment.
• Environmental monitoring and enforcement systems will come under more scrutiny, even if swift action is taken only in permafrost regions.