-
arrives in Russia to discuss cooperation on climate
change ahead of the UK-hosted COP26 climate summit in November
- He will meet Russian ministers, business leaders, and civil
society and encourage Russia to commit to net zero emissions by
2050
- COP26 President to welcome Russia’s commitment to
international climate cooperation at the Earth Day Leaders Summit
on Climate in April
The COP26 President-Designate, , is in Moscow to discuss Russia’s role in
international efforts to tackle climate change and strengthen
support for a comprehensive negotiated outcome at the Glasgow
conference later this year.
With less than five months to go before the critical UN climate
change conference, Mr Sharma will meet with leaders from the
Russian government, business and civil society to hear their
priorities for COP26 and to explore areas of cooperation.
The UK is urging Russia, as a G20 economy, to join the movement
to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, which is critical to
limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C.
The COP President will also discuss the importance of protecting
nature, noting Russia is home to more than 20% of the world’s
forests, as well as climate finance and efforts to help the world
adapt to respond to climate risks.
Mr Sharma will also discuss the Ministerial meeting that he is
hosting in London next month to drive progress towards an
ambitious outcome in Glasgow, which Russia has been invited to
attend.
As a world leader on energy efficiency, renewables, and
innovation, the UK was the first major economy to commit to
becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and more than 70% of the world’s
economy is now covered by a net zero target - up from 30% when
the UK took over as the incoming COP Presidency. Russia has the
potential to play a leading role, as a major hydrocarbon producer
and exporter, and as the world’s fourth largest emitter.
Economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic presents a clear
opportunity for clean, green investment, particularly in
infrastructure. The low-carbon economy offers huge potential for
growth in the coming decades, with opportunities for Russia in
renewable energy sectors.
While in Moscow, Mr Sharma will host a reception to open the
Russia-British Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Forum on the
topic of ‘COP26: Opportunities for UK-Russia ESG Engagement’. He
will also meet Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko,
Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Ruslan Edelgeriyev, and
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.
Ahead of the visit, Mr Sharma said:
Climate change is a real and urgent threat to our planet, and
time is running out to address it. COP26 is our last best hope
of keeping that critical 1.5C target alive, and building a
greener, brighter future for us all.
By capitalising on the benefits offered by shifting to a
cleaner, greener economy, Russia has an opportunity to show
real leadership as the world continues on its journey to net
zero emissions.
I welcome the support President Putin has shown for
international cooperation on tackling climate change, and look
forward to constructive discussions here in Moscow. As the
world’s fourth largest emitter, Russia is an essential player
in the fight against climate change.
