МІЖНАРОДНА КЛІМАТИЧНА ПОЛІТИКА ПІД ЧАС РОСІЙСЬКО-УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ: ВИКЛИКИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ
Authors: Pavko Yana ,   Інститут держави і права ім. В. М. Корецького НАН України
Published: July 2024

The article examines the peculiarities of implementing international climate policy during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The author identifies the place of our country in it, as well as clarifies the main issues in the field of combating climate change and the prospects for their solution. It is noted that the hostilities only deepen the global climate crisis due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the use of various types of weapons by the Russian invaders. Despite the fact that Ukraine is at war with Russia, the issues of environmental protection and climate change remain relevant. This is confirmed by a number of international events where climate change has become one of the most important topics for discussion, especially in the context of Russia's armed aggression against our country. On the one hand, Russia's full-scale invasion of our country has led to terrible consequences for the environment, which only deepen the climate crisis further, and on the other hand, it has become an impetus for the end of the «fossil fuel era» and the transition to renewable energy sources. Ukraine is an active participant in international climate policy, confidently moving along the European integration path and striving to achieve climate neutrality against all odds. It is noted that Ukraine is the largest country in Europe and climate neutrality for Europe is impossible without climate neutrality for our country. Getting rid of dependence on Russian fossil fuels is the key to ending the war and accelerating the transition of countries to renewable energy sources. Of course, not all states are ready to abandon various types of fossil fuels due to financial and economic interests. Instead, they are looking for new sources of energy. Reaching a consensus on implementing important climate measures in line with the international commitments undertaken by states is becoming increasingly difficult every year. Not all countries are ready to contribute to a good cause and finance large-scale projects to overcome the effects of climate change. Climate justice is an imaginary concept. Despite this, most countries in the world continue to set ambitious climate goals and create the conditions for achieving them. There is every chance to overcome the climate crisis, but only if there is political will and an adequate understanding of the nature of this problem, which affects the present and future of humanity. The adoption of the Climate Solidarity Pact by states can help free countries from coal and gas dependence and facilitate an effective transition to renewable energy sources. Our state occupies a prominent position in international climate policy. Despite all the consequences of Russia's full-scale invasion, it is only moving forward and is not going to retreat from its plans, especially in the area of climate change. Ukraine continues to follow the European Green Deal, gradually integrating the environmental and climate component into all sectors of the economy, and to work with international partners on a plan for the post-war restoration of our state on the basis of energy independence, climate security and sustainable development, and to bring Russia to international responsibility for the crime of ecocide. Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels, «green» transformation, climate change, European Green Deal, climate crisis, Paris Agreement.