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Russia Aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2060

By Vusala Abbasova November 15, 2024

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Russia, Mishustin noted, has already made significant strides in reducing emissions, cutting its greenhouse gas output by over 50% compared to the levels seen in the 1990s. / Sergei Grits / AP Photo

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced Russia’s target to reach carbon neutrality by 2060.

Speaking at the Climate Action Summit during the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Mishustin said that Russia is committed to tackling climate change through a range of environmental initiatives.

“We plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, focusing on higher energy efficiency, the development of electric transport, and the introduction of advanced solutions in agriculture and forestry,” the Prime Minister said in a statement published on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Russia, he noted, has already made significant strides in reducing emissions, cutting its greenhouse gas output by over 50% compared to the levels seen in the 1990s.

Under President Vladimir Putin’s leadership, Russia has taken proactive steps toward a cleaner energy future, with 85% of the country’s energy now coming from low-emission sources, including gas, nuclear, and renewable energy, he added.

In his speech, Mishustin reiterated Russia’s commitment to global climate efforts, highlighting the need for international cooperation. He proposed four key priorities for climate action, with a focus on equitable solutions for developing countries. He called for a new collective agreement on climate financing.

Mishustin also urged that the shift to cleaner energy must not harm the economic growth of low-income countries. 

“The problem of global warming must not be used as a pretext for discrimination, unfair competition, and artificial restrictions,” he asserted, addressing concerns that climate policies should not disadvantage developing economies.

In addition, he underscored the importance of practical mechanisms to ensure international agreements lead to measurable action. According to Mishustin, a unified system to assess the quality of climate initiatives is essential. He further advocated for closer collaboration within the scientific community, suggesting that joint research can help refine global climate data and guide decisions for decarbonization and adaptation.

Russia’s announcement came during an intense week at COP29, where Azerbaijan has welcomed global leaders, dignitaries, and heads of organizations to focus on climate change solutions.

From November 11 through 22, Baku is hosting between 70,000 and 80,000 guests, including government, business, and civil society leaders. The conference aims to address urgent climate challenges like rising global temperatures and increasingly severe weather events that affect communities worldwide.

The COP29 summit is placing a particular emphasis on climate finance, acknowledging that trillions of dollars are needed to enable countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly and protect communities from the intensifying effects of climate change. Additionally, the conference provides an important opportunity for countries to present updated national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, which are due by early 2025. Effective plans would help limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while also supporting broader Sustainable Development Goals through climate-aligned investments.