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On March 10, 2023 within the framework of the forum Global Energy Dialogue Forum a Seminar “Low-Carbon Future: Greenhouse Gas Absorption Potential in Russian Forests and Land Use” was held. 

The seminar participants discussed the problems of decarbonization in forestry and agriculture in the context of the climate agenda. Despite the fact that the world has changed, this issue remains relevant, including at the highest levels of government. 

What is the priority of decarbonization projects, what is the status of research and information gathering, who makes decisions and what contradictions have accumulated? There are many unresolved problems in the field of absorption of anthropogenic greenhouse gases. It remains unclear to what extent forests and land use in Russia are compensating factors. 

The Seminar has significantly deepened and broadened the understanding of the issues of a low carbon future, especially in terms of the connection between forests and land use. The number of specialists working in this field has increased over the past 10-15 years, as has the general level of understanding and expertise on all climate issues. In addition to the expansion of government measures to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and the implementation of major climate projects, the participation of responsible businesses has increased and they are joining in the work in this area.

The seminar was led by Academician Natalya Ivanova, member of IMEMO Directorate, Dr. of Science (Economics), Professor.

The following speakers made presentations at the event: 

• Anna Romanovskaya – Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. of Science (Biology), Director of the Yu. A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology;
• Evgeny Shvarts – Dr. of Science (Biology), Honored Ecologist of the Russian Federation, Head of the Center for Responsible Nature Management of the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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The Seminar was attended by representatives of the Russian Energy Agency, Russian Gas Society, ACRON, Bashneft, Gazprombank, Ilim Group, Rosneft, RUSAL, Service-VMF, SIBUR, Tatneft, Udokan Copper, Uralchem, Center for Energy Efficiency – XXI Century, ERTA-consult, Mitsubishi, MorganLewis, Petroleum Advisory Forum, RUDN University, International Sustainable Energy Development Center, MGIMO University, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, HSE University, VNIIGAZ.

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