Geopolityczne znaczenie Syberii w perspektywie globalnego ocieplenia .......... 45

THE GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SIBERIA IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF GLOBAL WARMING

The revolution of 1917 brought about many changes in Russia, one of the most significant ones being the industrialization of the entire USSR, including Siberia. The mass industrialization process has become a direct cause for the increase of the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has triggered what is known as „global warming”, the effects of which are felt today. The paper deals with the analysis of the geopolitical position of Siberia in relation to the theory of Heartland proposed by Sir Halford John Mackinder, and an attempt to redefine it due to Siberian resources of crude oil and natural gas which are strategic for Russia. The aim of the article is to answer the question of how climate change in the region can affect its attractiveness and how control over Siberia can influence its position in the international system.