Shelton Napier
Ambio. 2003 Jun;32(4):302-6. doi: 10.1579/0044-7447-32.4.302.
The author describes present environmental conditions in Azerbaijan in relation to the Soviet legacy and measures taken since independence. Environmental projects have been financed largely by international organizations and foreign companies. The most serious problems are contaminants in the Caspian Sea; air, water, and soil pollution in Sumgait; illegal fishing; poor quality of drinking water; cutting of forests for fuel and pasture; overgrazing; and soil erosion and salinization. Progress in developing an environmental conscience, necessary for sustained protection of the environment, will depend most importantly on environmental education, growth of democratic institutions and attitudes that encourage both governmental and citizen responsibility for the environment, and economic development that produces a substantial middle class. Positive advances include a Constitution and laws that require protection of the environment, and individuals who speak out for environmental care. Negative factors include poverty and the present government's low priority for environmental protection.
作者描述了阿塞拜疆当前与苏联遗留问题相关的环境状况，以及独立后采取的措施。环境项目的资金主要来自国际组织和外国公司。最严重的问题包括里海的污染物；苏姆盖特的空气、水和土壤污染；非法捕鱼；饮用水质量差；为获取燃料和牧场而砍伐森林；过度放牧；以及土壤侵蚀和盐碱化。培养环境意识对于持续保护环境至关重要，而这主要取决于环境教育、民主机构的发展以及鼓励政府和公民对环境负责的态度，还有能造就大量中产阶级的经济发展。积极进展包括要求保护环境的宪法和法律，以及为环境保护发声的个人。消极因素包括贫困以及现任政府对环境保护的低优先级。
