Sakhalin has become a testing ground for Moscow's efforts to reconcile Russia's highly valuable fossil energy sector with the need to take action on climate change. More than 2/3 of Sakhalin is covered by forests. With the Kremlin's blessing, local authorities have set a relatively ambitious goal: the largest island belonging to Russia will be carbon neutral by 2025.

The trees growing on the island will absorb all the carbon dioxide produced by Sakhalin's 1/2 million inhabitants and local industry. The idea, which the Russian government first hopes to implement 6,500 km east of Moscow, could work across the entire country, which possesses vast forest areas.