Publication

This brief examines Russia's evolving position in the climate change debate, and especially the development of a draft climate doctrine under the leadership of Prime Minister Putin. This doctrine, the author notes, will form the basis of the Russian negotiation position in Copenhagen in late 2009. The author argues that the active role of Russia in climate politics and policies, the international recognition of Russian forests as carbon sinks, and the issue of the Russian surplus allowances appear to be linked to the perceived Russian contribution in the international arena and, thus, to national pride.