Head of the Russian Delegation about Talks in Copenhagen

Head of the Russian Delegation at the UN climate Alexander BedritskyHead of the Russian Delegation at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, the adviser to the President of Russia Alexander Bedritsky gave an interview to RIA Novosti. He expressed pessimism about the outcome of negotiations. "The political agreement in Copenhagen will be signed, but creation of a legally binding agreement will fail" - he said.

Regarding quotas trading, Alexander Bedritsky expressed the following opinion: "We (Russia) are not planning to just sell emission quotas, as far as I know.” The adviser to the President of Russia made an interesting proposal to establish a mechanism for emissions trading within the Russian Federation: "We have no this experience in Russia, so it is advisable to organise it within the country as pilot projects in some sectors, for example, natural gas industry."

He believes that reduction of greenhouse gas emissions should be implemented regardless of what happens with the climate, because it is necessary for development of new technologies and, ultimately, for economic growth. "If you take excessive burden, it may become an obstacle for economic development. Just do not take such obligations"- he said. According to Russian NGOs, the commitments to limit the emissions by 65% of the 1990 baseline are quite feasible and beneficial for Russia, this opinion being confirmed by expert data.

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