STATEMENT of Russian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh

Russian NGOs emphasize that based on scientific evidence, including recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), all countries have recognized the dominant role of humans in modern climate change and the need for urgent action to radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

Almost all major emitting countries declared their intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050-2060. However, these statements are not supported by concrete actions, and the world is on a trajectory of a global temperature increase of 3-3.5⁰C by the end of the century, which does not meet the goals of the Paris Agreement (PA).

We call on the countries participating in the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC to act urgently:

1. In the matter of mitigation and NDC

• Ensure decision-making during the UNFCCC negotiations with the participation of civil society and vulnerable social groups.
• Significantly strengthen the 2030-35 GHG emission reduction goals, update the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and develop internationally coordinated, comprehensive plans to achieve them, taking into account all sources of anthropogenic emissions. These goals and plans should lead to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• Ensure that coal is phased out for energy purposes by 2030. By the same time, take all necessary measures to reduce oil and natural gas production.
• Give priority to low-carbon development measures leading to real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, namely the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
• Give priority to climate projects that have a double effect - adaptation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Carbon capture and storage measures (CCS, CCUS) should not replace and should not be a priority over: a) direct emission reduction measures and b) natural climate solutions.
• Take all possible measures to ensure the energy independence of countries based on renewable energy sources (RES), taking into account a) the mandatory abandonment of coal mining for energy production by 2030 and b) the reduction of production and use of other fossil fuels.
• Develop joint action plans for equitable energy transition for vulnerable groups of countries and subnational actors dependent on fossil fuel extraction and use.
• Provide incentives and support mechanisms for the development of micro-generation of electricity and heat based on renewable energy to reduce the anthropogenic burden on the climate and increase the availability of energy, including for vulnerable groups.
• In the area of natural climate solutions (Nature Solutions), ensure the priority development of projects that serve the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. First of all, in order to adapt to climate change and preserve biodiversity. Natural solutions should not replace real actions to reduce emissions, they must be implemented under Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement, outside its market mechanisms.

2. On the matter of mechanisms and tools of interaction between the parties to the conference

• Develop transparent and effective rules of the Sustainable Development Mechanism (Article 6), eliminating double counting of emissions. Inter-country transfer of emission reduction units is not an effective tool to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, as this solution substitutes for direct actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Adopt a universal taxonomy based on uniform principles that excludes projects for Article 6 purposes based on fossil fuels, nuclear technologies and large river dam hydropower, solid waste incineration and hydrogen fuel produced from nuclear power and fossil fuels. Recognize these technologies as inappropriate for solving the climate problem.
• Develop international initiatives and instruments to limit methane emissions from anthropogenic activities.
• In connection with the growing severity of the problem of natural fires, especially in the forests of boreal and temperate climatic zones, by 2025 create an international system for monitoring fire areas, based on satellite imagery data. The data should form the basis for internationally recognized assessments of fire areas and their impact on the climate-regulating role of boreal and temperate forests.
   

3. In the matters of financing

• End direct and hidden subsidies to non-renewable energy, while protecting social groups and economic activities most vulnerable to higher energy prices. Redirect subsidies from the fossil fuel sector to support renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
• Adopt a solution indicating that fossil fuel producers are fully responsible for the damage they do to the environment and the planet’s climate.
• Provide total climate funding of at least $100 billion per year between 2020 and 2025. At least half of these funds should be allocated to adaptation. In general, at least half of the funding for low-carbon development and adaptation should be in the form of grants, not loans, which are not an option for the weakest and most vulnerable countries.
• Create a separate financial window to fund actions to address loss and damage that are no longer preventable.

Statement adopted at the All-Russian Climate Conference of NGOs

October 24, 2022.