Russia concerned about plans to revise climate commitments due to geopolitics - Russian presidential rep

SHARM EL SHEIKH. Nov 16 (Interfax) - Russia is concerned about some countries' intentions to reconsider their climate commitments under the pretext of the difficult geopolitical situation, the Russian president's special representative for climate issues, Ruslan Edelgeriyev said, delivering the national statement at the United Nations COP27 climate conference.

"We express serious concern about the plans of certain countries and regional associations to revise previously assumed obligations under the pretext of the difficult geopolitical situation. Russia warned about the negative consequences of the 'climate ambitions race,' when carbon neutrality was proclaimed without a proper strategy and resource and financial support," Edelgeriyev said, adding that the parties to the UN [Framework Convention on Climate Change] and the Paris Agreement have the right to independently choose the means of achieving their climate goals.

The world has changed significantly since the climate summit in Glasgow, he said. "We are moving further away from meeting the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement, getting bogged down in disagreements on the main issues of the climate agenda and simultaneously seeing the introduction of artificial restrictions that worsen the quality of life of people in many countries," Edelgeriyev said.

The key points of Russia's national statement also included a call to support developing countries and work out a fair and acceptable solution to the problem of losses and damages.

"The growth of inflation and government debt is creating additional difficulties for developing countries and making it more important than ever to increase the amount of climate financing and provide easier access to the necessary resources. The least developed and small developing island nations are in a particularly vulnerable position. [...] Developed countries must practically demonstrate their leadership and increase the amount of financial resources and technologies provided to developing countries," Edelgeriyev said.

COP27 is being held in Sharm El Sheikh from November 6 to 18. The organizers are positioning the summit as the "implementation" conference, intended to get countries to fulfill the promises made in Paris.