The Yamal peninsula is the world’s largest natural gas exploitation zone. Since the appearance of the first Soviet geology expeditions in the 1950s, the way of life of the native Nenets people has slowly changed due to acculturation and climate change. Nenets vs Gas follows two groups of nomadic Nenets––called ‘brigades’ and given numbers by the government––as they move their reindeer herds to their winter pastures.
With further encroachment by the Russian energy megacorporation, Gazprom, more and more towns become cities and more and more pastures become pumping or processing sites. For more than 200 years, the Nenets have called the Yamal peninsula home, but with the combined forces of climate change and industrialization, how much longer will their traditional way of life survive?
Using a simple style and only interjecting with voiceovers when necessary for understanding, Nenets vs Gas is an outstanding ethnography of an often-forgotten Siberian Indigenous group. This multifaceted examination of the Nenets’ lifestyle, the encroachment of big energy concerns on their ancient migratory routes, and the worsening effects of climate change on the land they and their reindeer rely on seeks to help bring a better understanding of the changes the Nenets face even in the best case scenario.
While other ethnographies focus on cultural preservation, Nenets vs Gas is as much an environmental documentary as it is an ethnography. Anyone interested in learning about the effects of natural gas exploitation in the Arctic Circle, the Russian energy economy, or native peoples will be very interested in watching this documentary. Library patrons or students studying the varied cultures of Siberia or Indigenous people of the Arctic Circle will find just as much interest and entertainment as those seeking a new green-focused documentary. Highly Recommended.
How can Nenets vs Gas be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Nenets vs Gas is a compelling addition to public library collections focusing on environmental issues, Indigenous cultures and peoples, and the effects of industrialization. Its dual focus on cultural preservation and environmental impact makes it a valuable resource for programming on climate change, sustainability, and global Indigenous communities. Libraries can also use the film to engage patrons in discussions about the intersection of industry and tradition, fostering awareness of lesser-known global challenges.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Nenets vs Gas?
The documentary would be an excellent resource for courses in Anthropology, Environmental Science, Sociology, Russian Studies, and Indigenous Studies. It provides rich ethnographic content, offering insight into the Nenets' lifestyle and their adaptation to external pressures such as industrial encroachment and climate change. Additionally, it serves as a case study for examining the impacts of global energy demands on local communities and ecosystems.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Nenets vs Gas in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could incorporate Nenets vs Gas into environmental education initiatives, particularly those focusing on climate change and Indigenous heritage. The film could be screened as part of Earth Day events, sustainability workshops, or cultural heritage programs, followed by discussions about the global implications of local environmental challenges and the importance of preserving traditional ways of life.
How could Nenets vs Gas enhance special events on college campuses?
On college campuses, Nenets vs Gas could be a centerpiece for special events addressing climate change, Indigenous rights, or the geopolitics of natural resources. It could complement events such as sustainability fairs, guest lectures from environmental or anthropological experts, or global awareness days. The film provides a unique lens for examining the human and environmental costs of industrialization, starting meaningful interdisciplinary dialogue among students and faculty.