Greenhouse gas emissions by Russia
Russia emits between 2 billion tonnes and 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. This output accounts for about 4% of all global emissions. The country stands as the fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. Most of this pollution comes from fossil gas, oil, and coal operations. Climate Trace estimates that 60% of these emissions originate directly from fossil fuel activities. Another 24% stems specifically from power sector generation. Annual per capita carbon dioxide emissions reach approximately 12 tons per person. This figure is more than double the average found worldwide.
In 2017 Russia's energy sector emitted almost 80% of the nation's total greenhouse gases. Industrial Processes and Product Use contributed over 10% to the national total. Agriculture accounted for 6% of emissions during that same year. Waste management facilities released 4% of the country's greenhouse gases. The largest point source identified by Climate Trace was the Urengoyskoye gas field. This single location emitted over 150 Mt in 2021. Electricity generation remains the primary driver within the energy industries. Fugitive emissions from fuels follow closely behind transport sources.
Russia's greenhouse gas output decreased by 30% between 1990 and 2018. This decline excludes data related to land use and forestry changes. In 2017, the country emitted 2155 Mt of carbon dioxide. Land use processes reabsorbed 578 Mt during that period. Carbon sinks consisting mainly of forests offset about a quarter of national emissions in 2017. Public information regarding space-based measurements is expected to reveal individual large plants before the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The country must submit its inventory of 2018 emissions to the UNFCCC by the 15th of April 2020.
Russia holds the status of world's biggest methane emitter. An estimated 4 billion dollars' worth of methane leaked into the atmosphere in 2019/20. Black carbon on Arctic snow and ice absorbs heat and creates environmental problems. Peat burning in wildfires also emits significant amounts of carbon. Forest fires contribute to these challenges alongside illegal logging and corruption. The Washington Post reported that methane emissions are under-reported. Reducing these leaks would provide substantial help to global climate goals.
In 2020 Russia released a draft long-term strategy document. This plan aims to reduce emissions by 33% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. It did not originally plan to reach net zero until as late as 2100. Current energy strategies focus heavily on burning more fossil fuels. Coal remains state-subsidized despite international pressure. Efforts to decarbonize steel production were delayed by the Russo-Ukrainian war. International sanctions during the 2022 invasion halted progress further. Decarbonization in China may eventually reduce demand for Russian oil and gas.
Reporting military emissions is voluntary for all nations including Russia. No data regarding military emissions exists since before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The country must submit its inventory of 2018 emissions to the UNFCCC by the 15th of April 2020. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions would have health benefits greater than the cost. Public information from space-based measurements of carbon dioxide is expected to reveal individual large plants before the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The government's goal is to reach net zero by 2060 but current policies contradict this ambition.
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Common questions
What is the annual greenhouse gas emission volume for Russia?
Russia emits between 2 billion tonnes and 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. This output accounts for about 4% of all global emissions.
Which sector generates the majority of Russia's total greenhouse gases in 2017?
In 2017 Russia's energy sector emitted almost 80% of the nation's total greenhouse gases. Industrial Processes and Product Use contributed over 10% to the national total while agriculture accounted for 6%.
When did Russia reduce its greenhouse gas output by 30 percent?
Russia's greenhouse gas output decreased by 30% between 1990 and 2018. This decline excludes data related to land use and forestry changes.
Why does Russia hold the status of world's biggest methane emitter?
An estimated 4 billion dollars' worth of methane leaked into the atmosphere in 2019/20. Black carbon on Arctic snow and ice absorbs heat and creates environmental problems alongside peat burning in wildfires.
By what percentage does Russia plan to reduce emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels?
This plan aims to reduce emissions by 33% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The government's goal is to reach net zero by 2060 but current policies contradict this ambition.