*[Enwl-eng] Thirst for climate grandeur
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Sep 26, 2013, 8:14:01 AM9/26/13
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*Thirst for climate grandeur*
The authors of the Regional Climate survey on Russia are sure that Russia
could become the flagship of the low-carbon era and fulfill its "thirst for
grandeur" by means of climate initiatives.
*For more climate and energy related news please visit our website
rusecounion.ru*
The authors of the scientific review published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
analyze almost all areas related to climate - from national policies and
economic conditions to geographical features of the country. The list of
authors gives credibility to the document: it includes Professor Kevin
Anderson, the Director of the British Scientific Research Center of climate
change, the climate adviser to the UK Government.
Below are some of the theses of British experts.
“Most cold country”
Russia is the coldest country in the world and has some of the world
toughest conditions to live over most of its territory. Given that Russia
holds 11% of the world's land area, and permafrost underlain by methane
occupies nearly two thirds of the country, warming increases the risk of
launching global climate problems. If the scale and pace of climate change
will exceed adaptation efforts, the consequences will be devastating.
Non-use of the country's potential can lead to significant and irreversible
changes not only for Russia, but for the whole world.
"Climate Control: passive observation"
The status and role of the main climate commissioner – the State Committee
for Hydrometeorology (Roshydromet) - partly explains the inaction of the
country in policies on climate change. Roshydromet remained a passive
observer for long. Now its jurisdiction extends to prevention and research
in the field of adaptation to climate change. However, this state
institution exists in isolation from the regulatory environment. A huge
problem is the lack of understanding of the importance of synergy in
addressing climate change by Russian ministries and departments.
"Climate legislation: rhetorical context"
Russia has two major climatic documents: the Climate Doctrine and the
Action Plan for implementation of the Climate Doctrine (2011). Their
combined effect could form the basis of real politics at the highest
legislative level. However, these documents have no more than a rhetorical
context. Neither the Doctrine nor the Plan include quantitative targets.
The documents do not identify any financial or "professional" support: many
ministries have no defined role in this process. The national target to
reduce emissions by 25% below 1990 level declared in one of the resolutions
means actually the growth of emissions, while the current levels are around
30% lower than they were in 1990.
Laws on energy efficiency: climate policy locomotives
Legislation relating to energy efficiency is the flagship of the country's
energy policy. The Energy Strategy of Russia until 2030 and the Federal Law
"On energy saving and energy efficiency" are ambitious "synergistic"
attempt to cover all sectors where energy is used. Though unlike in the
Climate Doctrine and the Plan, these documents prescribe specific
objectives, there are difficulties similar to the climatic documents in
terms of implementation. The Scientific Advisory Board, which monitors
implementation of legislation in this area, argues that the current
performance of "energy efficiency laws" is very poor, and the target of 40%
reduction of energy consumption within the indicated timeline cannot be
achieved.
Reforms in the housing sector: back to subsidies
After the reform in the housing sector, all costs for housing and communal
services must fully become the responsibility of the consumer. It was
initially planned to do so by 2003, then - by 2005. However, even in 2012,
some municipalities continue to subsidize the consumers up to 50%.
Meanwhile, the experts of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation
argue that the reform does not improve quality.
Domestic policies to reduce emissions
Paradoxically, the key problem in Russia is significant reserves of fossil
fuels. In order to generate income for diversification of the economy, the
country is investing in production of hydrocarbons. Russia still has
elements of planned economy - the re-nationalization of some energy
companies and subsidies for fossil fuels.
Although Russia gradually raises domestic energy prices, the process of
liberalization of the energy sector is very slow. According to the Energy
Outlook, the country's subsidies for fossil fuels amounted to 39.2 billion
U.S. dollars in 2010, making 2.7% of GDP. Currently, according to the plans
of the Government, cross-subsidization of electricity should be
discontinued in the next 4 years. However, according to conservative
forecasts, subsidies for electricity in 2013 will amount to 200 billion
rubles (for comparison, 135 billion in 2008). Conflicting administrative
solutions in the field of energy create an atmosphere of uncertainty in the
sector, preventing introduction of much-needed investments for emissions
reductions.
The reforms in the transport sector
Since the mid-2000s, the Russian government is committed to come closer to
the progressively strict European standards governing the exhaust emissions
of transport: to reduce gradually the use of less environmentally friendly
fuels. By the end of 2014, Russia should go to Euro-3, a year later - to
Euro-4. However, taking into account the previously planned introduction of
Euro-2 standard by 2008, experts warn that Russia is unlikely to keep
within the schedule.
Climate Policy and Society
It is easier to advance political decisions, including objectives on
emission reductions, in Russia as compared to other industrialized
countries. The Russian scientific community has adopted climate change
problem as a serious one only after the political decision, and gave no
signal to politicians, as usual.
It is easier for the paternalistic semi-authoritarian regime to promote its
ideas to the society, in which the "culture of passive observation" is
accepted. On the other hand, lack of transparency, unclear distribution of
responsibilities, and other aspects of the bureaucratic heritage continue
to hinder progress.
A possible reason for the low level of climate policy in priorities of
leaders is the "fossil" component of the budget. The leadership of the
country has deeply rooted opinion that decarbonization cannot be beneficial
for economic and geopolitical interests.
The level of awareness and concern about climate change among the
population of Russia, though still relatively low, continues to grow
steadily. Extreme weather events may further push society to a public
debate, and ultimately catalyze national policy.
International Climate Policy
Not only the size of the country, the amount of resources, but also its
share in the global emission of greenhouse gases has great climatic
potential. The Kyoto Protocol did not originally enjoy the attention of
Russian political leaders, despite the fact that the goals of reducing
emissions compared to 1990 levels due to the economic downturn would be
easily reached.
Russia's position at climate negotiations cannot be called consistent.
Russia gave up with the second period of the Kyoto Protocol, but Russian
representatives do not cease to declare that the country will meet its
current obligations.
The imminent end of the Age of fossil fuel energy can undermine the
superiority of Russia. In this regard, the Kyoto Protocol would allow
Russia to demonstrate that it is ready to become a key driving force in the
fight against climate change, dominant in the international climate
negotiations.
Russia must become a leader!
The unique confluence of factors offers Russia a dilemma: to agree without
efforts to short-term political and economic benefits, or to make efforts
to fulfill its "thirst for grandeur", initiating an era of international
action for "low carbon sustainability."
--
RSEU Climate Secretariat
www.rusecounion.ru
Address: Voznesenskij 36-4, St.Petersburg, 190068, Russia
Tel: +7 812 2410043
Tel.mob: +7 921 9117986, +7 9217444255
e-mail:rseu.c...@gmail.com
From: "Climate Secretariat RSEU" <rseu.c...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 12:14 PM
Subject: Thirst for climate grandeur
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-------------------------------------
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The authors of the Regional Climate survey on Russia are sure that Russia
could become the flagship of the low-carbon era and fulfill its "thirst for
grandeur" by means of climate initiatives.
*For more climate and energy related news please visit our website
rusecounion.ru*
The authors of the scientific review published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
analyze almost all areas related to climate - from national policies and
economic conditions to geographical features of the country. The list of
authors gives credibility to the document: it includes Professor Kevin
Anderson, the Director of the British Scientific Research Center of climate
change, the climate adviser to the UK Government.
Below are some of the theses of British experts.
“Most cold country”
Russia is the coldest country in the world and has some of the world
toughest conditions to live over most of its territory. Given that Russia
holds 11% of the world's land area, and permafrost underlain by methane
occupies nearly two thirds of the country, warming increases the risk of
launching global climate problems. If the scale and pace of climate change
will exceed adaptation efforts, the consequences will be devastating.
Non-use of the country's potential can lead to significant and irreversible
changes not only for Russia, but for the whole world.
"Climate Control: passive observation"
The status and role of the main climate commissioner – the State Committee
for Hydrometeorology (Roshydromet) - partly explains the inaction of the
country in policies on climate change. Roshydromet remained a passive
observer for long. Now its jurisdiction extends to prevention and research
in the field of adaptation to climate change. However, this state
institution exists in isolation from the regulatory environment. A huge
problem is the lack of understanding of the importance of synergy in
addressing climate change by Russian ministries and departments.
"Climate legislation: rhetorical context"
Russia has two major climatic documents: the Climate Doctrine and the
Action Plan for implementation of the Climate Doctrine (2011). Their
combined effect could form the basis of real politics at the highest
legislative level. However, these documents have no more than a rhetorical
context. Neither the Doctrine nor the Plan include quantitative targets.
The documents do not identify any financial or "professional" support: many
ministries have no defined role in this process. The national target to
reduce emissions by 25% below 1990 level declared in one of the resolutions
means actually the growth of emissions, while the current levels are around
30% lower than they were in 1990.
Laws on energy efficiency: climate policy locomotives
Legislation relating to energy efficiency is the flagship of the country's
energy policy. The Energy Strategy of Russia until 2030 and the Federal Law
"On energy saving and energy efficiency" are ambitious "synergistic"
attempt to cover all sectors where energy is used. Though unlike in the
Climate Doctrine and the Plan, these documents prescribe specific
objectives, there are difficulties similar to the climatic documents in
terms of implementation. The Scientific Advisory Board, which monitors
implementation of legislation in this area, argues that the current
performance of "energy efficiency laws" is very poor, and the target of 40%
reduction of energy consumption within the indicated timeline cannot be
achieved.
Reforms in the housing sector: back to subsidies
After the reform in the housing sector, all costs for housing and communal
services must fully become the responsibility of the consumer. It was
initially planned to do so by 2003, then - by 2005. However, even in 2012,
some municipalities continue to subsidize the consumers up to 50%.
Meanwhile, the experts of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation
argue that the reform does not improve quality.
Domestic policies to reduce emissions
Paradoxically, the key problem in Russia is significant reserves of fossil
fuels. In order to generate income for diversification of the economy, the
country is investing in production of hydrocarbons. Russia still has
elements of planned economy - the re-nationalization of some energy
companies and subsidies for fossil fuels.
Although Russia gradually raises domestic energy prices, the process of
liberalization of the energy sector is very slow. According to the Energy
Outlook, the country's subsidies for fossil fuels amounted to 39.2 billion
U.S. dollars in 2010, making 2.7% of GDP. Currently, according to the plans
of the Government, cross-subsidization of electricity should be
discontinued in the next 4 years. However, according to conservative
forecasts, subsidies for electricity in 2013 will amount to 200 billion
rubles (for comparison, 135 billion in 2008). Conflicting administrative
solutions in the field of energy create an atmosphere of uncertainty in the
sector, preventing introduction of much-needed investments for emissions
reductions.
The reforms in the transport sector
Since the mid-2000s, the Russian government is committed to come closer to
the progressively strict European standards governing the exhaust emissions
of transport: to reduce gradually the use of less environmentally friendly
fuels. By the end of 2014, Russia should go to Euro-3, a year later - to
Euro-4. However, taking into account the previously planned introduction of
Euro-2 standard by 2008, experts warn that Russia is unlikely to keep
within the schedule.
Climate Policy and Society
It is easier to advance political decisions, including objectives on
emission reductions, in Russia as compared to other industrialized
countries. The Russian scientific community has adopted climate change
problem as a serious one only after the political decision, and gave no
signal to politicians, as usual.
It is easier for the paternalistic semi-authoritarian regime to promote its
ideas to the society, in which the "culture of passive observation" is
accepted. On the other hand, lack of transparency, unclear distribution of
responsibilities, and other aspects of the bureaucratic heritage continue
to hinder progress.
A possible reason for the low level of climate policy in priorities of
leaders is the "fossil" component of the budget. The leadership of the
country has deeply rooted opinion that decarbonization cannot be beneficial
for economic and geopolitical interests.
The level of awareness and concern about climate change among the
population of Russia, though still relatively low, continues to grow
steadily. Extreme weather events may further push society to a public
debate, and ultimately catalyze national policy.
International Climate Policy
Not only the size of the country, the amount of resources, but also its
share in the global emission of greenhouse gases has great climatic
potential. The Kyoto Protocol did not originally enjoy the attention of
Russian political leaders, despite the fact that the goals of reducing
emissions compared to 1990 levels due to the economic downturn would be
easily reached.
Russia's position at climate negotiations cannot be called consistent.
Russia gave up with the second period of the Kyoto Protocol, but Russian
representatives do not cease to declare that the country will meet its
current obligations.
The imminent end of the Age of fossil fuel energy can undermine the
superiority of Russia. In this regard, the Kyoto Protocol would allow
Russia to demonstrate that it is ready to become a key driving force in the
fight against climate change, dominant in the international climate
negotiations.
Russia must become a leader!
The unique confluence of factors offers Russia a dilemma: to agree without
efforts to short-term political and economic benefits, or to make efforts
to fulfill its "thirst for grandeur", initiating an era of international
action for "low carbon sustainability."
--
RSEU Climate Secretariat
www.rusecounion.ru
Address: Voznesenskij 36-4, St.Petersburg, 190068, Russia
Tel: +7 812 2410043
Tel.mob: +7 921 9117986, +7 9217444255
e-mail:rseu.c...@gmail.com
From: "Climate Secretariat RSEU" <rseu.c...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 12:14 PM
Subject: Thirst for climate grandeur
------------- * ENWL * ------------
Ecological North West Line * St. Petersburg, Russia
Independent Environmental Net Service: http://www.bellona.ru/enwl/
Russian: ENWL(discussions), ENWL-inf(FSU information), ENWL-misc(any topics)
English: ENWL-eng (world information)
en...@lew.spb.org, enwl...@lew.spb.org, en...@lew.spb.org, en...@lew.spb.org
Subscription, Moderator: vf...@lew.spb.org or en...@enw.net.ru
Archive: http://enwl.bellona.ru/pipermail/
and http://groups.google.com/group/enwl/
SEE ALSO: http://www.bellona.org (English)and http://www.bellona.ru
(Russian)
RSS: http://groups.google.ru/group/enwl/feeds?hl=ru
(C) Please refer to exclusive articles of ENWL
-------------------------------------
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