Russia is planning to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as announced by President Dmitry Medvedev. This plan aims to reduce emissions by 10-15 percent from 1990 levels when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. Environmentalists are unhappy with this target, as it falls short of expectations from developing countries. The announcement by Medvedev is seen as the beginning of negotiations for a new climate treaty in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol. During the ongoing discussions, wealthy countries are expected to put forward their proposed mid-term emissions targets. Russia recently became the final major country to do so. Environmental organizations and developing nations are urging industrialized countries to decrease their emissions by 25-40 percent below 1990 levels, as recommended by a U.N. panel of climate scientists. Russian President Medvedev stated on state television that, given the current circumstances, emissions could be reduced by about 10-15 percent by 2020. The Kremlin's chief economic adviser, Arkady Dvorkovich, later clarified that this reduction would be measured from 1990 levels, predating the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's heavy industry. Since then, Russia's carbon emissions have increased again due to its industrial revival, solidifying its position as the third largest polluter globally, following China and the United States. President Medvedev announced a goal on Friday to reduce cumulative greenhouse gas emissions by 30 billion tonnes from 1990 to 2020. This means Russia is expected to emit around 3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2020, up from 2.2 billion tonnes in 2007. Medvedev emphasized the importance of maintaining development while meeting emission reduction targets. Russia is obligated under the Kyoto Protocol to bring its emissions back to 1990 levels by 2008-2012. Green groups and developing countries were not pleased with Japan's recent proposals for a 2020 target, which were only slightly more ambitious than the Kyoto Protocol goal. Similarly, they were disappointed by Russia's announcement last Friday. Medvedev stated that Russia would approach greenhouse gas emissions responsibly and expected other countries to do the same, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing climate change. Dvorkovich also mentioned the need to find a balance between addressing climate change and meeting Russia's economic growth objectives. Experts viewed the goal announced on Friday as the initial move in a six-month series of intense discussions aimed at reaching a new climate agreement in Copenhagen this year. Nina Korobova, head of the Russian operations of Global Carbon, a clean energy project developer, stated that while it is a positive first step, she believes other countries will push for greater emissions reductions from Russia, leading to further negotiations. Despite previous reluctance from Russia's top Kyoto officials under Vladimir Putin's presidency to commit to mandatory emissions cuts, Korobova believes Russia could feasibly achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2020, even in worst-case scenarios.