Russia opposes obligations to abandon certain energy resources or fossil fuels ahead of COP28

MOSCOW. Oct 6 (Interfax) - Russia opposes stipulating obligations in international documents to gradually phase out any energy resources or fossil fuels.

In line with the Paris Agreement, a "global stocktake" is being conducted in 2023 to assess progress on achieving the agreement's targets. As part of this process, Russia has sent its position to the United Nations.

"We are opposed to provisions that in any way discriminate or call for the gradual renouncement of any specific energy resource or fossil fuel," the document, seen by Interfax, said.

Russia said that in climate analysis it is important to factor in various effects and consequences, including socioeconomic, related to direct and indirect risks for the welfare of people and economic development.

"It is necessary to consider the contribution of all low-emission and transition technologies and types of fuel that facilitate the reduction and increase absorption of greenhouse gases. It is also necessary to take into account the contribution of natural and ecosystem solutions in absorption of greenhouse gas, for example, the absorption capacity of forests," the statement said.

Russia also said that UN recommendations should not be directive in nature, and should give countries options that they can choose to work out subsequent steps taking into account their national conditions.

The COP28 UN climate conference will be held from November 30 to December 12 in the United Arab Emirates. It will be devoted to the achievement of results in efforts to keep global warming at no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, including financing for programs to combat climate change in developing countries and increasing investment in adaptation to climate change.