Chairman of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Committee Melnichenko named ways to protect Russia from the threats of global climate policy

Andrey Melnichenko, Chairman of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Committee on Climate Policy and Carbon Regulation, presented a report on the impact of climate change on the global and Russian economy, and also spoke about the prospects of the Russian Federation in the new climate reality. The presentation took place on June 9 as part of the "Forum of the Future 2050" at the site of the Lomonosov educational cluster.

First of all, Melnichenko noted that unprecedented amounts of capital are being allocated to combat climate change, comparable to global military spending, education and healthcare spending.

"The climate agenda has become a driver of global financial flows — more than a trillion dollars are redirected annually to the tasks of combating climate change and energy transition. (...) The climate agenda is already comparable in its impact to the leading economic processes," he stressed.

According to Melnichenko, Russia plays a significant role in the global climate agenda, but the country faces serious challenges. Thus, the state's economy is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, and a sharp energy transition can trigger price increases and lead to a loss of competitiveness. He added that, in general, the current global climate policy does not meet Russia's interests.: Authorities and businesses prefer a moderate, adaptive approach based on scientific research and verified information on emissions.

"About 50% of our exports are related to fossil fuels. With the implementation of the climate policy that is developing in the world, it can be argued that about half of our export potential may disappear. This creates serious challenges, but it also opens up new opportunities," Melnichenko said.

He added that the country has unique resources that can become the basis for new economic growth.

In his report, Andrei Melnichenko also drew attention to the fact that Western countries are also coming to the need to review the climate agenda. We are talking about the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and the loss of relevance of the green agenda in Europe.

"Where should we be? This is a serious conversation, and it definitely does not need to be conducted logically in order to please China or America. We need to think about our national interests, count and weigh them. For this, the most important thing, regardless of whether we stay in the Paris Agreement or leave, is to engage in science. Engage in climate diplomacy, seek a balance between global interests, not following in the footsteps of other countries, but forming their own strategy. It is important not to create artificial encumbrances and barriers," stressed the Chairman of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Committee.

Andrey Melnichenko also highly appreciated the Forum of the Future 2050 platform. He stressed that this event gives rise to an important dialogue about the future of our country and the world, including on climate change issues.

He noted that if it becomes clear that it is impossible to prevent changes, the Paris Agreement will lose its relevance. As a result, in his opinion, a new architecture of climate regulation will appear, which will focus on adaptation, assistance to developing countries and prevention of global risks.

The Forum of the Future is being held in Moscow from June 9 to 10, and the platform has gathered more than 2,000 participants — experts, scientists and public figures. As part of the Forum's opening, a panel discussion "A new course in the foreign policy of the future" was also held with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

In May, Russia hosted two more major events dedicated to the environmental agenda — the International Business Forum for Sustainable Development "Reputation. The Green World" and the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress.

In the framework of the forum "Reputation. The "Green World" deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Fetisov told Izvestia about the importance of caring for the environment and finding ways to solve environmental problems.

"It's not about money, it's about the future of our country, the planet, related to climate, ecology, water, soil degradation, and food quality <...>. These are the most important components of human life on planet Earth that are under serious strain today, including economic"- noted Fetisov.

In turn, Dmitry Patrushev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, said at the plenary session of the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress that effective management of natural resources is important for any state and for every person. According to him, the conservation of biological diversity is a challenge for all states and international cooperation plays a crucial role here.

"In Russia, the environmental well—being of citizens is one of the strategic priorities. It has been singled out by President [of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin] as a separate national goal. Within the framework of the relevant national project, the activities of all branches of government, business and citizens are combined. About 800 billion rubles will be allocated for the implementation of measures until 2030," Patrushev said.