Yulia Yamineva

The New Framework for Climate Finance Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: A Breakthrough or an Empty Promise?

In this chapter, we first show that the framework for climate finance under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been controversial, fragmented and insufficient to meet the growing financing needs of developing countries for adaptation and mitigation. We then describe and analyze the reformed framework for climate finance under the UNFCCC. We argue that the establishment of the Green Climate Fund constitutes an important milestone and progress has also been made in other respects. However, long-standing divides and mistrust between developed and developing countries have shaped the negotiations and continue to be reflected in their outcomes (and non-outcomes). This, together with the lack of clarity over long-term sources of finance, casts shadows over the future effectiveness of the new framework.

Climate Law and Policy in Russia: A Peasant Needs Thunder to Cross Himself and Wonder

Being one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and having an enormous carbon storage capacity in its forests, Russia plays a significant role in addressing global climate change. Yet, for a long time, its domestic climate policy remained under-developed and lagged behind other countries. The presidential term of Dmitry Medvedev and his modernisation agenda brought about the necessary transformation. The Climate Doctrine adopted in 2009 acknowledges the anthropogenic nature of climate change, setting principles and goals for mitigation and adaptation policies. The adoption of the Doctrine coincided with the development of a comprehensive framework for energy efficiency and energy conservation which, if fully implemented, will lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation policies should also be urgently formulated, as according to the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, climate change, alongside some benefits, will bring more droughts, floods and other extreme events as well as negative consequences for infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

Is law failing to address air pollution? Reflections on international and EU developments

Air pollution is a major global environmental problem, with various adverse effects on health and the environment. This introductory article provides an overview of related global and regional legal instruments. The article evaluates the legal landscape in terms of its coverage, geographic scope and effectiveness, and concludes that the legal measures currently in place fall far short of providing an adequate response to the problem of air pollution. Thus, there is a clear need to strengthen global and regional cooperation to improve air quality. Such cooperation is likely to take non‐binding and flexible forms and involve both wider participation among States and broader engagement of various stakeholders. The informal character of cooperation also makes it possible to experiment with new governance approaches that are difficult to implement within the context of traditional international law.