Russia intends to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as stated by President Dmitry Medvedev. This plan aims to reduce emissions by 10-15 percent compared to 1990 levels when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. Environmentalists are dissatisfied with the target, considering it too low and insufficient. The announcement is seen as Russia's initial move in UN negotiations for a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol in December. During the talks, wealthy countries are supposed to present mid-term goals for reducing emissions. Russia is 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 experts. Russian President Medvedev stated in an interview with Russian state television that emissions could be reduced by 10-15 percent by 2020. Kremlin's chief economic adviser, Arkady Dvorkovich, later clarified that this reduction would be measured against 1990 levels, before the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's heavy industry. Since then, Russia's carbon emissions have increased due to its industrial resurgence, solidifying its position as the world's third largest emitter after China and the United States. According to Medvedev, the target announced on Friday requires a reduction of 30 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases 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 that Russia will not hinder its development potential. As part of the Kyoto Protocol, Russia is obligated to bring its emissions back to 1990 levels by 2008-12. Green groups and developing countries expressed disappointment with Japan's 2020 emission reduction target, which was only slightly more ambitious than its Kyoto Protocol goal. They were also dissatisfied with Russia's recent announcement. Russian President Medvedev emphasized the importance of all countries taking responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, while Deputy Prime Minister Dvorkovich highlighted the need to strike a balance between addressing climate change and economic growth in Russia. Experts viewed the goal set 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, who leads the Russian operations of Global Carbon, a clean energy project developer, believes that while it is a positive first step, other countries will likely expect Russia to make greater emission reductions, leading to more negotiations. She is confident that Russia could achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2020, even in less optimistic scenarios. Under Vladimir Putin's previous presidency, Russian officials had opposed mandatory emissions cuts out of concern for preserving the lifestyle of the middle class and the growth of industries.