Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by H.E. Mr. Alexander Khloponin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation at the Signature Ceremony for the Paris Agreement

April 22, 2016




Distinguished Secretary General,

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, allow me to greet you on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir V. Putin.

Today’s signing of the Paris Agreement by the overwhelming majority of UN member-states is a remarkable and important step of the international community towards achieving the objectives to tackle global climate change.

Adoption of the Paris Agreement creates an international legal framework for long-term climate action uniting efforts of developed and developing countries, including all main emitters of greenhouse gases. These international efforts are complemented by national emission reduction contributions.

The quality of life of all people on the planet, progress towards sustainable development and capacity to counter serious global challenges including eradication of hunger and diseases, and coping with consequences of natural disasters depends on resolving climate issues.

One of forward-looking elements of the Paris Agreement is a set of provisions on the role and place of market-based mechanisms aimed at providing an impetus to governments and businesses to take effective action against the climate challenge including by utilizing such instruments as measures of internal management.

We are looking forward to an early launch of the negotiating process under the auspices of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to elaborate specific guidelines for implementation of the Paris Agreement. It would underpin creation of prerequisites for its entry into force. We aim at continuing our active participation in the negotiations, remain open for cooperation with all states in the spirit of partnership and collective responsibility.

Russia’s nationally determined contribution to the Paris Agreement will be limiting emissions of greenhouse gases to 70% of the 1990’s level by 2030. Due to its cumulative efforts over the last 20 years, Russia has been continuously holding its emissions at a level of two-thirds of the 1990 baseline. Thus, our country has countervailed emission growth in other states and regions to a significant degree. It is an illustrative confirmation of Russia’s leading role in the international climate process.

We reiterate the importance of forests as major sinks of greenhouse gases. This potential must be utilized fully and without artificial restrictions.

Russia is currently preparing a national plan to implement decisions of the Paris climate conference, which includes development of a long-term national strategy of low-carbon development up to 2050, as well as a national adaptation plan and systemic measures for sustainable management of forests.

In order to curb emissions, we are also elaborating innovative approaches based on integration of cutting-edge technologies that would allow for reduction in consumption of materials. We are ready for a wide scientific and technological cooperation to resolve climate issues. In this regard, I would like to stress the importance of the proposal put forward by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir V. Putin to convene a scientific forum under the UN auspices, which would discuss challenges related not only to climate change but also to the depletion of natural resources and degradation of the human environment.

Russia will continue its voluntary participation in international efforts to mobilize assistance for developing countries to tackle climate change and adapt to its consequences. To this end, we actively use multilateral formats including climate assistance projects that we finance through the UN Development Programme. We also take part in capacity building for small island states in the Pacific for the purpose of effective prevention and coping with consequences of disasters.

In conclusion, I would like to once again underscore that Russia welcomes signature of the Paris Agreement. We are ready for close cooperation with all partners in our common work to address global impacts of climate change. 



PRESS RELEASE on Russia signing the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change