Conference on Adapting to Climate Change in Arctic Slated for 7–8 July in St. Petersburg

The Conference on Adapting to Climate Change in the Arctic will take place on 7–8 July in St. Petersburg as part of the plan for the main events of Russia’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which is being operated by the Roscongress Foundation.

The highest rate of temperature increase is occurring in the high latitudes: according to Russian scientists, the rate of warming in Russia exceeds the global average by approximately 2.5 times, and it is 3.7 times higher in the Russian Arctic. Rising temperatures are inevitably followed by shrinking sea ice, and the degradation of permafrost in northern regions is causing considerable damage to buildings and utilities while also flooding infrastructure. What’s more, rising temperatures in northern regions also present an increased fire hazard. It is the opinion of event organizers that climate change requires urgent action to reduce the risk of catastrophic and irreversible consequences.

The event programme includes discussions in six sessions that will focus on various aspects of adapting to climate change. Leading experts and heads of relevant organizations and agencies will discuss the adaptation of key sectors of the economy to the new climate conditions while considering the experience of Russia’s regions.

Specialists from Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union and beyond have been invited to take part in the conference together with representatives of scientific and non-governmental organizations. In particular, statements are expected from Nikolay Korchunov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council, and Sergey Anoprienko, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology. The conference is being organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation.

Environmental protection, including climate change, is a priority of Russia’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. Given the rapid nature of the change to the climate in the Arctic, as evidenced by permafrost degradation and gas hydrate emissions, Russia considers tasks of primary importance in the struggle to mitigate the negative effects of climate change to include: increasing adaptability and resilience to its effects, conserving and restoring the environment, using natural resources sustainably, maintaining the health of Arctic ecosystems, including the marine environment, and conserving biodiversity, especially in respect to migratory bird species.

Reference information:

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