November 30, 2009. Copyright 2009, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Copenhagen Climate conference -- Russia
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 30, Graphic News:  It's a different Russia that prepares to go to Copenhagen from the frosty outsider that refused to kowtow to Kyoto until 2004, enabling the treaty to finally be ratified. Its recent radical shift in attitude towards climate change is a huge relief to scientists and world leaders who know cooperation is vital from the globe's third biggest polluter.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says Russia will cooperate with a climate treaty on two conditions: it is signed by everyone, and it takes into account the capacity of Russia's vast forests to absorb hydrocarbon gases. His vow coincides with steps to enforce a new climate doctrine at home and comes not a moment too late. Russia is warming fast: the reality of the melting Arctic waters and its permafrost can't be ignored.

To contend with, Russia has clunky infrastructure and one of the world's most energy intensive economies (the World Bank reckons it could save almost half of its primary energy consumption each year). Cooperation with the EU on the climate and renewable energy could defuse any conflicts over the gas and oil they need from it.
/ENDS