Citizen Agency and Ecology in Krasnoyarsk

ABSTRACT The agency of citizens in influencing the environmental agenda in Krasnoyarsk is analyzed, with special attention to the role of online ecology activism. The ecology and politics of “black sky” pollution is discussed, as well as the concept of “citizen science,” based on a possible “democratization of data.” Background and history of industrialization of the region is provided, as is comparative context for other ecology protests. The author argues that her internet ethnography case provides some differences from “traditional” eco-activism practiced in the city, in terms of statements and goals, as well as understanding environmental problems. She theorizes about the constructedness and contingency of environmental activism.