Russia’s Climate Agenda: Responding to international calls

. The problem of climate change on the planet has been gradually forming since the middle of the 20th century. as the idea of a universal threat, to combat which humanity needs to unite and regulate the waste of resources. To do this, the problem of global climate change had to be introduced both into the political and economic agenda, and into the basic world system of values. Only then would climate rhetoric be able to influence political decisions and shape the way people live, as well as influence the global economy. But for this it is necessary to prove that humans are to blame for global climate change. The fact that nature is constantly changing, scientists knew until the middle of the 20th century. But it was believed that the reasons for this lie in the laws of long and short climatic cycles, and man has nothing to do with global changes. And this means that it is impossible to justify the reasons why the global community and individuals should change their behavior. That is, without substantiating the anthropogenic impact on global climate change, this topic cannot claim to be the central determinant of economic and political development.


Introduction
In January 2021, a roadmap was approved for the implementation of an experiment in the Sakhalin Oblast to establish special regulation of GHG emissions. In addition, the introduction of public non-financial reporting is being considered (draft Federal Law "On Public Non-Financial Reporting"). Interest in green finance is growing in Russia: the development of a national taxonomy of sustainable finance and the launch of a system of low-carbon certificates are being considered [1].
Nevertheless, Russia's efforts in the field of climate policy so far receive "very low" ratings in international ratings (for example, according to the "Climate Action Effectiveness Index"). Although these ratings are informal, they are in high demand and there are no ratings representing the perspective of Russia or developing countries [2]. Experts are positive about Russia's accession to the Paris Agreement and initiatives in energy efficiency, GHG reduction and land use, but point to strong opposition to the country's increased climate ambitions from carbon-intensive industries.

Research Methodology
It seems important to move to proactive actions in terms of climate policy measures and focus on supporting the competitiveness of the Russian economy. In the light of the planned introduction of a transboundary carbon mechanism in the EU, it can be expected that the problem of carbon regulation will reach the level of international relations [3]. Russia is one of the major trading partners of the EU, which currently does not have any system of carbon regulation (carbon taxes or emissions trading), which deprives the country of flexibility in terms of the ability to offset payments for GHG emissions on its territory. As a result, in order to maintain (full or partial) payments for GHG emissions in Russia, as well as for a symmetrical response, it is advisable to take the following steps [4]: Explore the possibilities for developing carbon regulation measures in Russia (in the form of a national GHG emissions trading system (NTS)), which, in the general case and at the initial stage, will operate on a voluntary basis. However, if there are relevant requirements from the EU for certain groups of goods (which are covered by the TUR), a transition to a mandatory regime may be required. It is proposed to hold timely consultations with the EU on issues of compliance with the EU decarbonization practice, as well as to study the experience of implementing the JTC in China. Explore the possibility of introducing symmetrical measures for imports from the EU (to equalize conditions with the EU and other countries that may introduce regulation in response to EU measures) with simultaneous compensation for consumers in Russia [5]. Work out support (compensation) measures in Russia for enterprises and industries most affected by the introduction of TUR and carbon regulation measures, including benefits within the national trading system, as well as tax incentives. In addition, along with those implemented (increasing energy efficiency, supporting RES, etc.), it is possible to identify measures for the further development of climate policy, on the introduction of which there is a relative consensus in Russia: Improving the accounting and protection of the forest fund: identifying preferred approaches to accounting for the absorptive capacity of forests , soils and water bodies; implementation of carbon farm projects; development of a methodology for accounting for GHG emissions by product range; improving the quality of data on Russian forests; expansion and protection of the forest fund of Russia. Implementation of a national system for reporting and monitoring GHG emissions [6]: Development of a reporting system that will allow obtaining up-to-date information on GHG emissions at the level of regions, municipalities and sectors of the economy, as well as modeling and predicting the consequences of climate policy and climate risks.

Results and Discussions
The global climate is determined by the global average temperature, which depends on the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, which continue to rise. The key to addressing climate change is to reduce emissions and reduce GHG concentrations through removals [7]. As part of the global climate agenda, a goal has been developed: to reach net-zero emissions in the second half of the 21st century (anthropogenic emissions should be equal to GHG removals). Currently, the climate policy of developed countries is undergoing a stage of major changes, and new energy technologies play the main role in this process [8]. At the same time, the future of global energy and climate is increasingly dependent on decisions made in emerging market and developing countries. Emerging market and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global CO2 emissions, while emissions in advanced economies are declining structurally. At the same time, the upward trend in emissions will continue until active measures are taken to transform economic and energy systems [9]. The trend could be reversed by a significant increase in investment in clean energy. To meet the stated goal of achieving zero net emissions in the second half of the 21st century, annual capital investment by 2030 must increase sevenfold, to over $1 trillion.
Development of a reporting system at the corporate level, which will allow Russian companies to comply with external "climate" requirements in terms of information disclosure. Study of methods and methods for assessing the carbon footprint and methods for verifying the data obtained (including the entire production chain). Formation of a system of low-carbon (including "green") certificates recognized at the international level (for a wide range of projects that contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions -renewable energy sources, "green" and "blue" hydrogen, projects to improve energy efficiency, increase GHG absorption) [10]. Conducting consultations with the European Commission for the recognition of local certification systems. Formation of the image of Russia as a climate-responsible country: coverage of the efforts undertaken by the country (with the indication of restrictions and intentions); looking for opportunities to promote climate initiatives that are in the national interest (eg international cooperation on climate change adaptation or support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects); creating alliances with countries with similar interests to strengthen the negotiating position during international climate negotiations; development of an index that assesses the efforts of countries to combat climate change in Russia or within a regional association with Russian participation (for example, the EAEU or BRICS) [11]. Expanding opportunities for promoting Russian low-carbon technologies for export in order to diversify Russian exports: diversifying Russian exports of energy resources (in particular, hydrogen), energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, and other low-carbon technologies; exploring the possibilities of the Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) under the Paris Agreement; use of mechanisms to provide sustainable (including "green") financing; creation of conditions and support for the implementation of voluntary initiatives to reduce GHG emissions by Russian exporters. Equally important, but much more difficult in an economy dominated by traditional energy resources, is to agree on medium and long-term guidelines for national climate policy, which should indicate the direction of the transition to a low-carbon development path -in line with international trends [12]. This is the aim of the draft Strategy for the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation with low GHG emissions until 2050, prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia. It should determine: priorities for the development of the domestic market, including the balance of traditional and new low-carbon areas; assessment of the prospects for export diversification (by directions and types of supplied goods and technologies); conditions for strengthening Russia's climate policy -they may be the most difficult to agree on, but, nevertheless, it is advisable to work them out as risk scenarios in order to prevent a slowdown in economic growth rates and a lag in the long term (in the event of a deterioration in the situation with adaptation and acceleration development of climate policy in the world) [13]. The draft Strategy for Social and Economic Development with Low GHG Emissions provides for the development of an action plan for its implementation, which proposes to take into account the identified challenges and measures. In addition, we can consider the organization of monitoring the challenges of developing climate regulation in the world for the Russian economy and conducting a comprehensive assessment of their impact.
The key factor for sustainable development is the transformation of the energy sector through the growth of investments in environmentally friendly electricity [14]. Its consumption in emerging market and developing countries will grow about three times faster than in advanced economies, and the low cost of wind and solar power should make them the preferred technologies to meet growing demand if the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are put in place. Base [15]. Also important are investments in digital electricity grids, energy efficiency and electrification, which will provide the largest share of emission reductions. An important component of transformations in the electric power industry are the mechanisms of international support for the refurbishment or decommissioning of obsolete generation facilities [16]. Emission reduction actions in emerging market and developing countries are estimated at about half the cost in advanced economies, clean energy investment in emerging market and developing countries is the most cost-effective way to address climate change. Commissioning of environmentally friendly facilities is much more efficient than subsequent modernization. Transition processes must be based on the economic affordability of electricity, which is a key factor for consumers, while governments are forced to pursue other goals of socio-economic development [17]. Today, about 800 million people in the world do not have access to electricity, and 2.6 billion people do not have access to sustainable cooking. The energy transition opens up new economic opportunities, in particular through the creation of new jobs associated with investments in clean energy.

Conclusions
The Russian Federation takes an active part in the processes of the Climate Agenda, an impetus has been given at the federal level, discussions have been launched at the level of the Government of the Russian Federation, the State Duma and at the level of economic sectors. Today, most of the global climate policy instruments, such as carbon regulation, renewable energy incentives, green financing mechanisms, the green certificate market, and the ESG taxonomy, have been implemented in Russia or are under development. In this situation, it is important to analyze international experience, global challenges and trends, take into account the changing legislation of trading partners, the experience of stimulating the transformation of the economy and energy. International cooperation is certainly an important component in the technological and financial fields. The current international financial architecture provides some support for sustainable development, but financing strategies and mechanisms are not yet up to the challenge of fundamentally transforming the energy sector in emerging and developing economies.