The Siberian environment, with temperatures reaching minus 70 degrees Celsius, is one of the most extreme conditions on Earth. In such circumstances, bodily excretion becomes a significant survival challenge, requiring the body to adapt and develop special mechanisms for self-protection.
In the northernmost regions of the Earth, Siberia is renowned not only for its majestic landscapes but also for its harsh winters, which can last up to seven months with temperatures plummeting to minus 70 degrees Celsius. Often referred to as the “Refrigerator of the Earth,” this region tests human survival capabilities through its extreme cold. In these harsh conditions, Siberians have developed a unique philosophy of life, evident in how they confront daily essential issues, from food and livestock to excretion.
Survival in Extreme Conditions
Siberia is a land with extremely limited agricultural conditions due to the severe cold. However, nature has bestowed upon it other rich resources. Vast forests and abundant mineral resources, along with developed livestock farming and fishing, have allowed the people to sustain their lives. Because the cost of raising livestock is low, meat has become the primary staple for Siberians, with pork, beef, lamb, and especially venison—rich in protein and low in fat—being highly favored.
Fishermen drilling holes in the ice to fish.
Additionally, the abundant freshwater from Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, provides a rich supply of fish for the inhabitants. Despite the harsh winter making fishing difficult, residents still employ traditional methods such as drilling holes in the ice to catch fish. Fish prices in winter are even lower than those of vegetables and fruits, making it an important source of protein.
To prepare for the long winter, Siberians begin stockpiling food in the fall. Flour, rice, cooking oil, meat, and canned goods are all carefully stored. Statistics show that each urban resident in many parts of Siberia stockpiles an average of up to 500 kg of food, ensuring no shortage throughout the winter.
The extreme cold necessitates specially constructed homes to withstand the conditions. Traditional wooden houses with thick walls built from logs or squared timber feature stoves or fireplaces to maintain warmth. Although modern heating systems are becoming increasingly common, firewood remains the primary heat source for many families. Each household needs to stockpile at least 20 cubic meters of firewood annually to ensure sufficient fuel for the winter.
To retain heat indoors, Siberians often install multiple layers of insulation materials on doors and windows. Losing heating systems during the frigid winter can pose serious survival challenges, so any incidents are addressed immediately.
Excretion in minus 70 degrees Celsius is a significant challenge for human health and survival. To adapt and survive in these extreme conditions, Siberians have had to devise suitable solutions and preventive measures.
Challenges of Excretion in Minus 70 Degrees Celsius
One of the greatest challenges in extremely low temperatures is excretion. In an environment of minus 70 degrees Celsius, feces quickly freeze into solid forms. To prevent frozen feces from clogging the toilet pit, Siberians often carry sticks to break up the feces when necessary. The excretion process in cold conditions can rapidly lead to body heat loss, posing life-threatening risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with weakened health. Despite the simplistic and challenging sanitary conditions, the thick walls of the latrines and the heat generated from the excreta also provide some insulation.
For women, menstruation in such frigid conditions becomes even more challenging. Sanitary pads can easily freeze, causing discomfort and posing infection risks. To cope, many women choose to stay indoors during this time or use traditional methods such as wool or cotton pads and hot water bottles to stay warm. Some wealthier families have begun to install flushing toilets indoors, but this requires support from stable plumbing systems and anti-freezing measures.
Urine and feces freeze almost immediately when exposed to cold air. They form solid blocks that can cause hygiene and health issues if not properly managed.
In winter, when snow is thick, cars can hardly move. Instead, sleighs—pulled by reindeer or dogs—become the primary means of transportation, solving traffic issues and creating the characteristic winter scenery of Siberia.
Sleighs are the main means of transportation in Siberia.
Siberia, with temperatures dropping to minus 70 degrees Celsius, has tested human endurance and survival intelligence. Yet, it is precisely in these harsh conditions that the residents have developed a unique philosophy of life, combining the use of natural resources, careful food storage, indoor temperature preservation, and maintaining close social relationships. All these factors have helped them not only survive but thrive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
