Russia is planning to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as announced by President Dmitry Medvedev. This plan aims to decrease emissions by 10-15 percent from 1990 levels when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. Environmentalists are upset by this target, as it falls short of expectations from developing countries. The announcement is seen as a move in United Nations negotiations for a new climate treaty in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol. During the ongoing discussions, wealthy countries are expected to propose midterm emissions targets. Russia, being the final major country to do so, is facing pressure from environmental organizations and developing nations to reduce emissions by 25-40 percent compared to 1990 levels, as recommended by a U.N. panel of climate experts. Medvedev, in a statement provided by the Kremlin, stated that based on the current situation, Russia could potentially reduce emissions by 10-15 percent by 2020. Dvorkovich, the Kremlin's top economic adviser, later clarified that the reduction would be measured against 1990 levels, prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's heavy industry. Since then, Russia's carbon emissions have increased due to its industrial revival, maintaining its position as the world's third largest polluter after China and the United States. President Medvedev stated on Friday that the target involves reducing 30 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases from 1990 to 2020, resulting in Russia emitting around 3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2020 compared to 2.2 billion tonnes in 2007. President Medvedev emphasized that Russia will not sacrifice its development potential. According to the Kyoto Protocol, Russia is required to bring its emissions back to 1990 levels by 2008-12. Green groups and developing countries were disappointed by Japan's proposals for a 2020 target, which was only slightly more ambitious than its Kyoto Protocol goal. They were also discouraged by Russia's announcement on Friday. Medvedev emphasized the importance of all countries taking action on greenhouse gas emissions, while Dvorkovich highlighted the need to find a balance between addressing climate change and achieving economic growth in Russia. Experts believe that the goal set on Friday marks the beginning of six months of intense negotiations aimed at reaching a new climate agreement in Copenhagen this year. Nina Korobova, who heads the Russian operations of Global Carbon, a clean energy project developer, views this as a positive initial step but anticipates that other countries will demand larger emissions reductions from Russia. She believes that Russia could easily achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2020, even in worst-case scenarios. Under Vladimir Putin's previous presidency, Russian officials were reluctant to commit to mandatory emissions cuts, expressing concerns about the impact on the country's middle class and industrial development.