The Russian government has published a plan to adapt the economy and population to climate change, aiming to mitigate the damage but also "harness the benefits" of warmer temperatures.
The document, released yesterday on the Russian government website, outlines in 17 pages an action plan that describes how it is now necessary to adapt to climate change because the latter already have a "significant and growing effect" on socioeconomic development, people's lives, health and industry.
La Russia is warming 2,5 times faster than the average planet and the two-year “phase one” plan indicates the government officially recognizes this as a problem, although President Vladimir Putin denies that human activity is the cause. And to be honest, it also criticizes solar and wind power.
The climate adaptation plan lists preventative measures such as building dams or switching to more drought-tolerant crops, as well as challenges in the most critical passages, including emergency vaccinations and evacuations in case of disasters.
Russia: adapt to climate change to "reduce losses and exploit advantages".
Let's clarify one principle: the Russian plan does NOT intend to "exploit" the changes in a cynical way because they benefit Russia. Far from it. It clearly says that climate change poses risks to public health, endangers permafrost, increases the likelihood of infections and natural disasters. And it can also lead to several species being pushed out of their usual habitats. It is much, much more frank and honest than many short-sighted, or worse denialist, reports.
If we want to see a light in the darkness, however, the possible "positive" effects would be the reduction of energy consumption in cold regions. Opportunities also arise from the expansion of agricultural areas and navigation possibilities in the Arctic Ocean.
An unusually warm Christmas
Among the list of 30 measures outlined in the plan is a study on the risks of Russian products losing competitiveness or falling outside of new climate-related standards, and new educational materials to teach climate change in schools.
Russia is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, with vast Arctic regions and infrastructure built on permafrost. Recent floods and fires have been among the worst climate-related disasters on the planet.
Russia formally adopted the Paris climate agreement in September last year. And he has highly criticized the United States' withdrawal from the pact.
On Sunday, the Russian meteorological service forecast temperatures of up to 16 ° C higher than the average for the same period in previous years. That of Orthodox Christmas.
This year, artificial snow was used in Moscow for New Year's celebrations.
