Russia on its path to carbon neutrality: forming a legal framework

About the author:

Danilova Natalia V., Cand. Sci. (Jur.), Associate Professor, Institute of State and Law, Carbon Measurement Test Area in Tyumen’ Region (FEWZ-2024-0016), University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia; n.v.danilova@utmn.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6037-9468

Abstract:

The fundamental agreements of the global community on climate protection are enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, as well as the protocols and agreements adopted in its development. Part of international climate agreements, Russia has defined its national contribution for 2030 as a reduction of emissions to 70% as of the 1990 level. The goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 is officially recorded in the Climate Doctrine of the Russian Federation of 2023. Currently, the national climate legislation is being actively formed. This study aims to assess the current development state of the Russian climate legislation; to identify the key legal institutions necessary and sufficient for achieving the above goal; and to determine the factors influencing the configuration of the new legislative branch. The analysis of the present Russian climate legislation norms and their comparison with international legal requirements proves the creation of the legal framework for climate protection activities in Russia. Conditions have been provided for the implementation of climate projects, an administrative quota system is being tested within the Sakhalin experiment, and trading in greenhouse gas emission quotas has been launched. Meanwhile, a number of key issues have not yet been legally regulated. Thus, target indicators for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for economic sectors have not been defined, and the procedure for setting greenhouse gas emission quotas for individual emitting organizations has not been developed. A promising area for the development of Russian climate legislation is the regulation of activities to adapt to climate change. To date, government agencies have developed and adopted federal and sectoral plans for adaptation to climate change, but there is no legal regulation of activities to implement them.

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