Top Arctic stories of the week, 27 September -- 1 October 2021

Below is a recap of this week’s posts by Alexander Stotskiy (CEO, Project Office for Arctic Development) analyzing major international, national and regional events and trends in the Arctic.

Global energy challenges highlight Russia’s Arctic agenda

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy to convey the Russian vision of the prospects of change in the world energy market in the context of climate challenges. The points he made highlight the importance of the sustainable development agenda in the Russian Arctic, with the region playing a major role in securing new niches in the world energy market for Russia and becoming a testing ground for cutting-edge energy technologies. Read more…

A national verification system for climate projects to be launched in Russia in 2022

In 2022, Russia is expected to implement a national climate assessment and certification system based on international standards. According to Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, the process of accrediting verification and validation bodies is likely to kick off by the end of the year. The system’s performance will be tested under a pilot project implemented in Sakhalin Oblast. The experience and best practices accumulated in Sakhalin will help adapt the rest of the country to a new regulatory reality. Read more…

Monitoring systems to address the impact of thawing permafrost in the Russian Arctic

Thawing permafrost is a major issue facing the Arctic that threatens its progress towards sustainable development. According to estimates voiced by Russian researchers, by 2050, the sum of damages resulting from permafrost degradation in Russia may reach up to USD 69-96 billion. In addition, thawing permafrost is known to affect agriculture by causing cultivated land area to shrink. To address the challenge, an integrated permafrost monitoring system will be deployed in the Yakut Republic. Read more…

Russian-Finnish dialogue on energy efficiency to improve understanding between Russia and EU

This week, the Working Group for Energy Efficiency and Climate Change under the Russian-Finnish Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Commission convened for the first time. Its participants discussed national policies for energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction of the two countries, as well as a series of joint projects that are (or will be) implemented in this field. It is noteworthy that Russian-Finnish cooperation on climate may pave the way toward a better understanding between Russia and the EU on CBAM and carbon management issues. Read more…

Northern Sustainable Development Forum Held in Yakutsk

The 3rd Northern Sustainable Development Forum themed as “Climate Change and Permafrost Conservation” took place in Yakutsk, the capital city of the Yakut Republic, Russia. The event brought together about 400 delegates from 45 countries, including PORA experts. The forum focused on such major issues and tasks as combating global warming, permafrost monitoring, transition to a low-carbon economy in the Russian Arctic, conservation efforts, promoting renewables etc. Read more…