Ministry of Natural Resources: Russia's position as consequence of climate change more favorable than for other countries, but needs to work on adapting to it
MOSCOW. Aug 16 (Interfax) - Russia is subject to the negative impact of climate change, but it will be able to successfully deal with it by implementing measures to adapt all areas of economic activity. This was the opinion of the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov during his report to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Minister recalled that, according to scientists' forecasts, the global temperature will rise until at least the middle of the century: "Even if we now turn off all the taps and stop production, the climate system is still moving towards warming. Because it is inertial."
Among the forecasts for Russia is an increase in river flows in Siberia and the Far East, and, conversely, a decrease in the south, including in the Don River basin (hence, an aggravation of water shortages in Kalmykia). In addition, there is a danger in the degradation of permafrost, which covers two-thirds of Russian territory.
"But I would like to note that our country is in a more advantageous position than other states. Large territories and a variety of climatic conditions are our advantage. For example, in agriculture it will be possible to use late-ripening sowing varieties that will be productive and The Far North will become more accessible," Kozlov said, noting that the country needs measures to adapt all areas of economic activity to climate change.
Russian research institutes are already making scenario forecasts for climate change in each region, the minister said.
"This information needs to be immersed in planning the construction and repair of various facilities. Knowing about potential floods, you can build dams or make decisions about resettling people. In preparation for a drought, think about building water pipelines. (...) Predicting the thawing of permafrost, strengthen underground utilities. As of July this year, the Ministry of Economic Development says that, so far only 59 regions have approved their adaptation plans," he said.
Since the beginning of the year, 544 dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena have been recorded in Russia against 438 in the same period last year. Most of them are successfully predicted: over 96% of Roshydromet's warnings have come to pass.
The minister noted abnormal heat in Krasnoyarsk in July, drought in the Volga region and Siberia, devastating downpours in the Crimea, Irkutsk region, Krasnodar and Primorsky territories. Until the end of August, extreme heat is predicted in 11 regions of Russia (Kalmykia, Stavropol, Krasnodar Territory, Rostov-on-Don, Astrakhan, Ryazan and all regions in the Black Earth Region).