‘Global Warming’ and the Energy Transition (Foreign Trade Aspect)

Abstract

Last 10‒15 years ‘global warming’ is presented as the main threat to humanity, allegedly more dangerous than a possible nuclear catastrophe. To counteract ‘climate change’ an energy transit mechanism has been launched on national and international levels. Among its aims ‒ phasing out traditional energy resources, reducing output of other products with an intensive carbon emission, forced despite the costs, transition to renewable energy resources. To achieve these aims a lot of measures are examined including EU possible applying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism which may be interpreted as a trade war instrument. Many such measures contradict the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) the aims of which were formulated as to avoid dangers for production and sustainable growth especially for developing countries. One-sided energy transition may destabilize the situation at world markets and destroy international trade system based on WTO principles. Possible counteractions of Russia should be determined first of all by the aims of supporting its competiveness. This implies in particular the use of traditional energy resources (oil, gas, coal) in Russian economy as long as possible. Critical attitude to the prevailing international climate agenda does not mean that the author underestimates the importance of environmental issues for Russia. The close-down of many factories after the collapse of the Soviet Union diminished pollution in some places. But new dangers have appeared ‒ privately owned vehicles, urban solid waste, abandoned farmersʹ lands, ill-conceived and even criminal lodging construction. Speaking of numerous environmental and biodiversity metrics, our country fails to keep pace with advanced standarts. Even under Western sanctions Russia should increase financial outlets in order to improve environmental situation in the country. More effective ecological laws are badly needed not only in industry and transport but also in regional and municipal development.