News – Government of Russia

Deputy Chairman of the Government of Russia, Alexander Novak, met with a special representative on changes in the climate of the President of Kenya, chairman of the African group of negotiators as part of the UN Frame Convention on the Climate Change (UN RKIK) Ali Daudom Mohamed.

The parties discussed national efforts and international cooperation in the implementation of the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming and climate change.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in the carbon market, the need to take into account the deposit of forests in the absorption of emissions and the possibility of coordinating the efforts of Russia and the countries of the African continent in matters of adaptation to climate change.

Alexander Novak emphasized the need to make a smooth transition to the economy with zero emissions with equal access to modern technologies.

“The transition to an economy with a low level of greenhouse gas emissions should be fair and take into account various national climatic and natural features and development priorities. I believe that the transition to zero emissions will be gradual, using a wide range of technologies. Harmonious coexistence of both green and traditional energy is necessary, which can mutually complement each other. The transition from fossil fuel is not the only one, but one of the possible ways to reduce emissions. The ban on investments in projects related to the use of fossil fuel cannot be the basis for a fair transition, ”said Alexander Novak.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted the important role of the transition from coal to natural gas at the stage of movement to carbon neutrality. This can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps to overcome technological gaps.

Any unilateral barriers or artificial restrictions that restrain the achievement of climatic goals, the meeting participants recognized as impractical, since global warming is one of the main challenges of future generations.

Russia emphasized its commitment to climatic problems and intends to continue to participate in the international dialogue to combat climate change, regardless of the changing course of other countries. In total, Russia has already managed to reduce emissions by almost 70% compared to the 1990 level – this is an absolute record among all countries participating in the international climatic agenda.