Decarbonization vs. Adaptation of the Economy to Climate Change within the Sustainable Development Strategy
Climate policy priorities are considered within the context of sustainable development strategies at both world and national (Russian) economies’ level. It is argued that in contrast to the integrated approach introduced in the Paris agreement on climate emphasizing equal importance of the targets and the imperative to balance efforts on (a) mitigation and minimize GHG net emissions and (b) adaptation of economy to climate change impact, the latter has been put further back in strategic decision-making process. Substantiated are imperatives and high economic efficiency (multiplier effect inclusive) of adaptation measures with their world average benefits surpassing costs fourfold. Particular importance of adaptation planning and implementation of the measures to reduce losses and damage from climate change impact to maintain sustainable long-term socioeconomic development in Russia are stressed. Emphasized is substantial increasing of the value and salience of adaptation to climate change within the system of strategic planning, especially in the area of socioeconomic policy decision-making. The expediency of the Russia’s reasonable (smart) application of existing international experience, particularly that in the EC, in planning and integration of adaptation policy into sustainable long-term development strategies is highlighted.