On September 28, a plenary session of the III Northern Forum on Sustainable Development "Climate change and the response of permafrost" was held, at which topical issues of the global environmental agenda were considered. The session was moderated by the Executive Director of the International Organization of Northern Regions "Northern Forum" Vladimir Vasiliev.
The head of Yakutia, Aisen Nikolaev, made a speech in which he reflected the main approaches of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in understanding and solving global issues of ecology and climate change.
In particular, the Head of Yakutia focused attention to the fact that "climate change, degradation of permafrost is a problem that exists here and now." It was noted that the most sensitive region of the world to these processes is the Arctic.
It was emphasized that Yakutia is already experiencing the consequences of natural changes. According to Aisen Nikolaev, the most difficult situation of this summer with natural fires became an enormous challenge for everyone. It is noted that the thawing of permafrost can directly threaten the way and living conditions of millions of people in the Arctic regions of the world.
“We must continue to strengthen the balance that allows us to realize the colossal economic and natural potential, while preserving the fragile northern ecosystems in the face of climate change,” said Il Darkhan.
Aisen Nikolaev noted that the implementation of large-scale projects in the field of nature protection in the territory of the Russian regions is of particular importance in view of the chairmanship of the Russian Federation in the Arctic Council. So, in 2023, within the framework of Russia's chairmanship in Yakutsk, the World Summit on Climate Change and Permafrost Melting will be held.
“The World Summit in 2023 in the city of Yakutsk should become an important event in strengthening international cooperation on climate issues, primarily on countering the consequences of the degradation of the permafrost zone,” the Head of Yakutia summed up.
Nikolai Korchunov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, senior official of the Arctic Council from the Russian Federation, Toyohisa Kozuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Russian Federation, Nikolai Kharitonov, Chairman of the Committee for Regional Affairs of the Russian State Duma politics and problems of the North and the Far East, and other experts spoke at the plenary session on the problems of contemporary environmental challenges.
Nikolai Korchunov outlined the tasks facing Russia in the framework of its chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021-2023, noted the special role of the Northern Forum as a key platform for considering topical issues of the development of the Arctic territories and the preservation of northern nature.
Toyohisa Kozuki focused attention to the high importance of fruitful cooperation between the Russian Federation and Japan, including the development of the "green economy".
Nikolai Kharitonov emphasized the importance and relevance of the development and expansion of Russian legislation on environmental issues. The parliamentarian highlighted the advanced experience of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in the adoption of laws aimed at resolving environmental issues.
Mika Riipi, Governor of Lapland, shared the best practices of living and doing business in the North that are practiced in this region.
Grigory Ledkov, member of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government and Northern Affairs, drew attention to the impact of climate change on the way of life of the indigenous peoples of the North, on the conduct of traditional activities, on the preservation of biological resources. The expert noted the importance of adapting the northerners to new conditions.
Paolo Venturini, an Italian extreme sportsman, who ran 40 km through the territory of the Oymyakonsky ulus in winter, stopped at the limitless possibilities of the human body.
Mikhail Zheleznyak, Director of the P.I. Melnikov of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, outlined the special importance and necessity of creating a monitoring system for climate change. The scientist emphasized that the modern world can find adequate solutions for sustainable development in a changing climate, if it correctly understands the nature and prospects of these changes.
The head of Yakutia, Aisen Nikolaev, summing up the results of the plenary session, noted that the discussion touched on issues of the widest range. He stressed that the Northern Forum on Sustainable Development can become a platform through which ideas for the development of the Arctic will be broadcast and scaled through the prism of harmony between Man and Nature.
По материалам Пресс-службы Главы и Правительства Якутии
Фото Марии Васильевой
