Russia’s climate envoy, Ruslan Edelgeriyev, has cautioned against quickly replacing fossil fuels. He said a rapid transition could harm industries, according to a Reuters report.
Speaking at a conference in Sochi, he emphasized the importance of a gradual shift. Edelgeriyev argued that Russia supports a careful transformation to avoid disrupting energy and industrial markets.
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Lessons from Germany’s Auto Industry
Edelgeriyev pointed to the challenges Germany’s auto industry has faced due to its shift toward electric vehicles. He noted that miscalculating this transition led to significant job losses. Between 2019 and 2023, 46,000 jobs were lost as a result of the move to electric cars.
A recent study warned that up to 186,000 jobs could be lost by 2035. The study linked these losses mainly to the transition in the car manufacturing sector.
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Russia’s Climate Goals and Emissions Commitments
Russia is one of the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitters. It joined the Paris Agreement in 2019, agreeing to reduce emissions. Under this agreement, Russia must set climate targets every five years. However, the country has faced criticism for not acting more aggressively. Despite this, Russia and China have both set emissions reduction targets for 2060, while many countries aim for 2050.
Russia’s Approach to Energy Transition
Edelgeriyev explained that Russia plans to use a combination of methods to reduce emissions. These include relying on nuclear, hydro, and forest resources. However, he stressed that Russia’s shift from fossil fuels should be gradual, the Reuters report mentions.
Rapid changes could destabilize energy markets and affect major industries. Edelgeriyev argued that a balanced approach is crucial for both economic stability and environmental progress.
A Cautious Path Forward
As Russia works toward its 2060 emissions target, it faces challenges. The country’s economy is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. A fast transition could lead to instability, especially in industries like oil and gas. Lessons from Germany’s auto industry show the risks of a hasty transition to renewable energy. For Russia, careful planning will be key to managing this transformation.