Is Russia the Climate Change Canary? When Will Action Be Taken?

Admin

Is Russia the Climate Change Canary? When Will Action Be Taken?

Gennadiy Shukin, a reindeer herder in the Russian Arctic, feels the weight of change. He recalls a December when the cold barely made its presence known. Nowadays, permafrost is melting, and newly born reindeer calves are struggling to survive in waters that should be frozen. “We are witnessing climate change in a severe way,” Shukin says. “It’s no longer just a distant concern; it’s here.”

The Arctic region is warming at a staggering rate—2.5 times faster than the global average. This rapid change is not just an inconvenience; it threatens lives and livelihoods. Shukin’s neighbors are leaving their homes as ground cracks and infrastructure collapses. Wildfires are devastating forests, burning areas the size of Italy.

Yet, Russia remains a significant player in the climate crisis. It’s the fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and a major contributor to global methane emissions. Experts like Angelina Davydova highlight a troubling contradiction: “Russia talks about the importance of climate change but fails to act decisively.”

Historically, Russia’s economy has been tied deeply to fossil fuels. Since Vladimir Putin rose to power in the early 2000s, the country’s economic growth has relied on oil and gas revenues. This windfall not only stabilized the economy but also reinforced Putin’s authority, fostering a sense of national pride. However, this reliance hampers real climate initiatives.

On the surface, Russia seems to have met some climate goals, achieving emissions cuts not through effective policy but due to the economic collapse following the Soviet Union’s breakup. Yet, climate change remains a low priority. A recent climate doctrine, introduced in October 2023, failed to tackle fossil fuels as a primary problem.

International perception of Russia as a blocker of climate action has intensified. In 2021, Russia vetoed a UN resolution recognizing climate change as a threat to peace. At recent climate summits, like the COP28 in Dubai, Russia resisted calls for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels, pushing instead for vague commitments that protect its energy interests.

The war in Ukraine has further set back Russia’s climate efforts. Bombing campaigns have destroyed energy infrastructure, causing substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The invasion itself has severely impacted the country’s environment, worsening the climate crisis while fossil fuels remain critical to Russia’s economy. In 2022, oil and gas sales even increased as a proportion of the economy.

Despite the climate emergency, Russia’s leadership shows little concern. Some see potential in the warming Arctic, viewing it as a new frontier for fossil fuel exploration. Kirill Dmitriev, a close aide to Putin, publicly described the Northern Sea Route as a promising opportunity due to climate change—seeking access to untapped resources.

Public concern about environmental issues has waned amid the ongoing war. A 2024 survey by the Levada Center revealed that environmental problems rank low in Russian citizens’ concerns, trailing behind issues like rising prices. This shift reflects a broader trend, where environmental voices have been silenced under the current regime.

For activists like Arshak Makichyan, who now lives in exile, the threat is clear. “The government offers no solution except exploiting nature for profit,” he states. With limited ways to raise awareness about climate issues, the future appears daunting. “While the regime may change, the climate crisis is here to stay,” he warns.

In the context of a growing climate crisis, Russia’s response—or lack thereof—underscores a critical narrative. The country seems stuck between acknowledging the issue and relying on outdated economic foundations. Without a significant shift in policy and public awareness, the consequences may become more severe, not just for Russia but for the planet.

For more insights, you can explore the Climate Action Tracker, which states that Russia’s climate policies are critically insufficient for meeting international goals.



Source link