Source: PRI's The World
As the world’s most carbon-intensive economy, Russia faces ecological issues and potential social disruptions as a result of climate change. Under the leadership of President Medvedev, Russia has taken some proactive steps toward addressing climate change. However, it still has a way to go in reversing bureaucratic resistance and changing public opinion, both of which are necessary for successful implementation of climate change policies. The ongoing drought and forest fires will open the eyes of the Russian public and government officials to the realities of climate change and the need for action, contended David Burwell.
“I think this is a wake-up call ... that action is needed," Burwell stated. "This may give the bureaucracy some incentive to move ahead and actually adopt and pursue the targets laid down by President Medvedev. They’re going to have to …modernize and diversify their economy. And if they do that, you can see that they are taking this new evidence and these events seriously.”