Russia: more consideration for developing world at climate talks

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, speaking Monday, ahead of his participation in the Copenhagen climate change talks, called on the gathering to give more consideration to the situation in the developing world, DPA reported.

Negotiations for a new climate deal must take into account the conditions that prevail in young industrialized nations in determining their commitments to action on climate change, he said in a video released via his website.

"These commitments must not conflict with economic opportunities or, most importantly, the development priorities of each country," Medvedev said.

Russia was already aiming at reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, he said, adding that the country was prepared for new challenges as part of the worldwide fight against climate change.

Medvedev also noted that Russia, the biggest country in the world, has contributed to improving the global environmental situation thanks to its forests.

"We plan to increase the energy efficiency of our economy by 40 per cent by 2020," he said. Medvedev, who has called Russia the world's biggest energy waster, said the government had adopted a law on energy saving and improving energy efficiency.

Medvedev confirmed he would be among the more than 100 heads of state and government at the UN Climate Change Conference in the Danish capital later this week.