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The lonely mission of a Russian climate activist

Holding a one-man demonstration about climate change in the middle of Moscow might sound a thankless task, but Arshak Makichyan has taken up the challenge.

The 26-year-old violinist has been defying a ban on protests in the Russian capital with signs reading "Strike for Climate" in the hope of building a movement that pressures the Kremlin.

He says he's been inspired by fellow climate activist Greta Thunberg, staging protests every week.

“This will all have an impact on our future, both economically and socially, so that's why I've been protesting for 73 weeks in a row and we're trying to get the Fridays for Future movement going in Russia."

This is a lonely crusade, partly due to Russian attitudes on environmentalism. Russia is the world's fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter, but unlike Greta who galvanized a global movement of young environmentalists, Makichyan's mission has often seen him as the only activist to turn out.

Russia also has tough protest laws, with police arriving within 30 minutes of some of his protests. One passer-by even threatened to stab him.

"So far on the political level we only get words and have not seen any action so far. So to influence the politicians we need thousands of people on the streets. This is hard to imagine now but I believe it's possible."

President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is warming at 2.5 times the world average and the permafrost melting in northern cities would be a disaster.

But he has also said it is unclear what is driving climate change.

As for Makichyan, he’s vowed to continue his efforts and promised not to give up.