Moscow — Riot police carry away a protester at an opposition rally in central Moscow. Supporters of various opposition parties gathered for a rally to defend Article 31 of the Russian constitution, which gives citizens the right to peacefully gather and hold rallies and marches.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: YURI KOCHETKOV / EPA
The Week in Pictures | Jan. 30 – Feb. 6, 2012

A protestor shouts during a demonstration for fair elections in central Moscow February 4, 2012. Tens of thousands of Russians defied bitter cold in Moscow on Saturday to demand fair elections in a march against Vladimir Putin’s 12-year rule, and thousands of others staged a rally supporting the prime minister. REUTERS/Anton Golubev

Coal
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/

Coal occupies a central position in modern human endeavors. Last year over 7000 megatons were mined worldwide. Powerful, yet dirty and dangerous, use of coal is expanding every year, with 2010 witnessing a production increase of 6.8%. Around 70 countries have recoverable reserves, which some estimates claim will last for over a hundred years at current production levels. Mining for coal is one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. While deadliest in China, where thousands of miners die annually, the profession is still hazardous in the West and other regions as well. Our mining and use of coal accounts for a variety of environmental hazards, including the production of more CO2 than any other source. Other concerns include acid rain, groundwater contamination, respiratory issues, and the waste products which contain heavy metals. But our lives as lived today rely heavily on the combustible sedimentary rock. Over 40% of the world’s electricity is generated by burning coal, more than from any other source. Chances are that a significant percentage of the electricity you’re using to read this blog was generated by burning coal. Gathered here are images of coal extraction, transportation, and the impact on environment and society. The first eight photographs are by Getty photographer Daniel Berehulak, who documented the lives of miners in Jaintia Hills, India. — Lane Turner (48 photos total)

Russia’s untouchables
Feb 1, 2012 12:24 EST

Russia’s demographic situation is one of the many factors contributing to uncertainty in understanding the future of the country. As one of the world’s only developing countries with a decreasing population, the Russian economy relies on a large influx of migrant workers to fill the gap. Photographer Denis Sinyakov documents the divisive issue of immigration. 30 PHOTOS

January 26, 2012. A member of the Cryophil amateur winter bathing club enters the Yenisei River with an air temperature some minus 26 degrees Celcius in Russia’s Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk.

Pictures of the Week, January 20 – January 27

Kiev, Ukraine — A woman is dressed for the cold in the center of the city in Ukraine, where 43 people have died of hypothermia over the last six days as the country has suffered a severe period of cold weather. More than 800 people sought medical help for frostbite and hypothermia.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: SERGEI SUPINSKY / AFP
Pictures in the News | Feb. 1, 2012