Indicators of the Transition of Russia to Low-Carbon Development

Abstract

This article discusses some approaches to building a system of indicators reflecting the state and dynamics of the transition to low-carbon development in Russia. To this end, the authors have analyzed a system of indicators reflecting progress in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the context of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. As part of the study, additional indicators are proposed and partially calculated for inclusion in the system (such as the carbon footprint of use and production in Russia in order to use the net carbon export indicator). CO₂ emissions contained in manufactured goods and implicit in exports are calculated on the basis of an input–output model. In addition, the indicators of carbon dioxide absorption by forests in the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are considered. This indicator is obtained on the basis of conversion–volumetric coefficients in the context of age groups. The experience of China and Germany in the develpment of renewable energy is considered, an analysis of the energy intensity indicators of regions of Russia is conducted, indicators of the absorption of greenhouse gases by forests are calculated, and proposals are made to improve the indicators of low-carbon development. The study reveals a significant gap between produced and consumed carbon dioxide emissions, which is determined by the large export of carbon emissions, while the volume of carbon emissions from the forests of the Russian Arctic is 168.8 million t of CO₂ per year. The proposed system of indicators of the transition to low-carbon development for various levels complements the known indicators of the low-carbon segment of the Sustainable Development Goals with relevant indicators, such as an increase in electricity production from renewable sources, the share of public transport running on batteries, and carbon absorption by ecosystems. Currently, the system includes ten indicators, representing four main areas (energy intensity, carbon intensity, introduction of cleaner energy sources, and carbon uptake by ecosystems).