Russia preparing statement at COP31 on inadmissibility of accelerated phase-out of fossil fuels - presidential representative

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ANTALYA. Nov 13 (Interfax) - Russia is preparing a statement as part of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) on the inadmissibility of an accelerated phase-out of…

ANTALYA. Nov 13 (Interfax) - Russia is preparing a statement as part of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) on the inadmissibility of an accelerated phase-out of hydrocarbons, Russian Presidential Special Representative for Climate and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev told Interfax on the sidelines of the summit.

"We are now preparing our statement on preventing a rapid and accelerated phase-out of hydrocarbons. In the current conditions of excessive pressure on the energy market due to the well-known strait [issue] and other factors, it is absolutely inappropriate to talk about an accelerated phase-out of hydrocarbons, because it will additionally affect the price. I think this statement will be ready in three to four days," he said.

Edelgeriyev said that the central place on the COP31 agenda is currently occupied by the "35x35" electrification initiative (35 by 35 Global Electrification Pledge), which envisages bringing the share of electricity in global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035.

"We have big questions about it. A roadmap, mechanisms, and measures - how to do this - must be specifically spelled out. It is not there yet. Such an initiative can live, but at this stage - without figures. To be backed by figures, major research is needed on how we will achieve these figures. We saw this with the example of the 1.5 degrees goal [limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius]: first we declare a goal, and then we adjust our actions to that goal. And that is why it is practically not being implemented. We are against such an approach," Edelgeriyev said.

The other traditionally acute topics for UN climate summits "will be brought up later," he said.

"I think the negotiations will typically run over by a day or two," he said.

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