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Russia complies with international climate obligations, unlike US — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that unlike the US, Russia fulfils its obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement

MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. Russia, unlike the United States, fulfills its international obligations to combat climate change, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday, commenting on US President Joe Biden’s criticism of Russia and China for missing the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow.

"Unlike our American counterparts, the Russian Federation vigorously and, I emphasize, consistently fulfills its obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. It is strange to hear such things from the US, taking into consideration the utterly unsystematic and chaotic policy that Washington pursues in this field," she said.

Zakharova recalled that the United States had both insisted on striking a climate deal as well as withdrawing from it. The number of measures implemented by Russia in this area is comprehensive, the diplomat noted adding that, in particular, steps are being taken to reach carbon neutrality.

According to Russia’s estimates, China has a constructive attitude to the entire range of global climate agenda, Zakharova added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the G20 summit that over the past 20 years, the carbon intensity of Russia’s economy had been decreasing by an average of 2.7% year-over-year, which is higher than in the entire world. Putin emphasized that the share of energy from carbon-free sources exceeds 40%, and if natural gas is taken into account, the figure rises to 86%. The government also approved the strategy of Russia’s socio-economic development with low greenhouse gas emissions until 2050.

"In fact, we are one of the leaders in the global de-carbonization process, and we have set a concrete target of achieving our economy’s carbon neutrality no later than 2060," she explained. "We have an interest in reducing the dangerous implications of climate change collectively, but with regard to socio-economic distinctions between the countries."

Zakharova urged to use international platforms for joint work in combatting climate change, but not for mutual accusations.

"Can anyone doubt that Russia is consistently for such a joint approach? I do not think so. We have given no such reason," she concluded.