Russia’s climate policy has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a period of climate change denial to a commitment to decarbonization. This evolution is largely driven by international climate trends and the country’s desire to remain a competitive global actor. In 2019, Russia signed the Paris Agreement, marking a critical step in its climate policy development.
International climate policy has been the main driver in the evolution of Russia’s domestic climate policy. The 2020 domestic law on limiting greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to 1990s levels by 2030 was a turning point in climate policy. The EU’s climate policy, particularly the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms, has also had an impact on the development of Russian policies.
Role of International Climate Policy
The EU’s climate policy has influenced Russia’s climate policy development, with the country taking into account the carbon measures introduced within multilateral formats such as CORSIA. The Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Ruslan Edelgeriyev, has emphasized the necessity of carbon pricing and greenhouse gas monitoring for the economic imperative in Russia.
In addition to the EU’s influence, Russia must also account for China’s climate policy, given that China is now the country’s number one trading partner. China’s plans to introduce a national carbon footprint management system in 2027 have set a precedent for Russia to follow. Other BRICS countries, such as India, have also become significant trade partners for Russia, with a clear trend towards climate-friendly policies.
The evolution of Russia’s climate policy is also driven by the need to catch up with global trends. Valerii Limarenko, the governor of Sakhalin, noted that global warming exists, and the worldwide trend of decarbonization exists, and the energy companies have shown that they are following this trend. Therefore, there is no alternative for Russia. It is completely clear that they have to go in this direction. It’s a matter of competitiveness. There is no other way.
Sakhalin Climate Experiment
The Sakhalin Climate Experiment, launched in 2022, is a significant example of Russia’s commitment to decarbonization. The experiment aims to achieve carbon neutrality in the Sakhalin region, with a cap-and-trade system and efforts from companies such as ALROSA. The company has implemented a carbon dioxide removal project capable of absorbing up to 25,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
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The Sakhalin Climate Experiment has marked a shift in Russian climate policy, with the model expanding to other regions since 2026. The experiment has also highlighted the importance of individual decision-makers, such as Limarenko and Milena Milich, in shaping policy. However, the design of the quota system has been criticized for its flaws, including low penalties for exceeding quotas and a lack of obligation to make up the shortfall the following year.
The experiment’s success will depend on the ability of regional decision-makers to drive policy development and overcome the practical challenges that remain.
The Arctic region presents a particular case in the development of Russia’s climate policy, with the country seeking to drive climate policy development in the North. The region is warming three to four times faster than the planet as a whole, and the permafrost degradation already threatens a lot of infrastructure. Russia’s ambition to lead in the Arctic is driven by the need to adapt to the new climate conditions and invest in infrastructure development.
In March 2026, experts called for the Arctic Pavilion at COP31 to strengthen climate dialogue and provide adaptation indicators. The Northern Forum, an international organization of northern and Arctic regions, organized the first Arctic Pavilion at COP29 in Baku two years ago. However, the Pavilion will not take place at COP31 due to a lack of funding, and instead, an Arctic Day will be held as a side event on November 9th and 19th at the main Russian Federation Pavilion.
The challenge of securing funding for the Arctic Pavilion is significant, given the current geopolitical situation. The Northern Forum’s Secretariat is registered in Yakutsk, Russia, and is practically cut off from international funding opportunities. The organization faces difficulty securing funding domestically, highlighting the need for private contributions from various companies and organizations to support the Pavilion.