Abstract
This paper analyzes the possibility to reduce the carbon footprint of exported products by implementing forest climate offset projects amid the introduction of the carbon tax on imports of high-carbon products, including those exported from Russia, by the European Union. The role of forests as absorbers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions differs significantly in Russia and in the EU. It is suggested that the EU’s climate neutrality policy aimed primarily at the reduction of direct CO2 emissions by sectors such as power, industry, and agriculture is a consequence of the insignificant role of European forests in greenhouse gas absorption. By contrast, Russia can achieve climate neutrality not only by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also by increasing their absorption by forests and implementing forest climate projects (FCPs). Taking into consideration the UNFCCC baseline and additionality requirements, three FCP types can be proposed for implementation in the Russian Federation. The possibility to monetize the carbon sequestration function of Russian forests in the framework of carbon offset projects is assessed.
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Notes
Net absorption is the difference between the greenhouse gas absorption and emission (i.e., greenhouse gas balance).
An offset project is a project making it possible to use accumulated emission mitigation outputs in one sector (e.g., LULUCF) to mitigate emissions in another sector (e.g., energy).
Taking into account the GHG absorption in the LULUCF sector.
Emission mitigation outcomes can be transferred either free of charge or on a reimbursable basis. In the latter case, this refers to international trade in GHG emission mitigation outcomes.
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Funding
This study was performed as part of a State Assignment, project no. 0148-2019-0007 (Assessment of Physiographical, Hydrological, and Biotic Changes in the Environment and Their Consequences with the Purpose to Develop Sustainable Nature Use Basics).
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Translated by L. Emeliyanov
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Ptichnikov, A.V., Shvarts, E.A. & Kuznetsova, D.A. The Greenhouse Gas Absorption Potential of Russian Forests and Possibilities for Carbon Footprint Reduction for Exported Domestic Products. Dokl. Earth Sc. 499, 683–685 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X21080122
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X21080122