Russia could create millions of jobs by investing in clean-energy technology and insulating buildings. Dr. Kandeh Yumkello, the head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) gives Russia some tips on sustainability. He recently spoke to Russia Beyond the Headlines’ Artem Zagorodnov about his plans in Russia.
Russia beyond the Heahlines: What is Unido’s main focus in developing countries?
Kandeh Yumkello: We focus on a
niche area of industrial development – pollution management and green
industries. In today’s context of climate change and resource efficiency in an
overpopulated world, these areas are important to help provide solutions to
increasing production and consumption. While market forces are important,
industrialisation does not occur by accident. From Singapore to the EU, it’s been
determined by the leaders. We want governments to mobilise their private
sectors to engage in a green transformation.
RBTH: How do you envisage this green
transformation will take place ?
K.Y.: Experts call it
a third industrialisation based on green growth. Strong public-private
partnerships in green industries are needed, where the state hedges some
investment risk while allowing market forces to operate.
RBTH: How are Unido’s plans being realised in Russia?
K.Y.: We’re pushing a
number of projects in Russia
focused on green energy and cleanup production. These include a centre for the
disposal of hazardous consumer products and industrial waste in the Republic of Tatarstan,
and a $1.5m (£960,000) project to improve water quality and reduce the impact
of industrial activities in the middle and lower Volga
basin. We’re also promoting the production of energy-efficient refrigeration
and air-conditioning systems via technology transfer.
RBTH: What specific green technology suggestions
would you like to see in Russia?
If Russian
authorities were to adopt new municipal building codes and use public money to
build new insulation, they could create millions of jobs. Mayors – like Michael
Bloomberg of New York City
– will tell you one of their biggest challenges was figuring out how to keep
skyscrapers hot and cool. They’ve been thinking about incentives for owners and
tenants to be energy efficient. We’re pitching these ideas to wealthy Russians
as new business opportunities. The message I brought to the Nevsky Ecological
Congress in St Petersburg this year was that Russia has
always been a leader in science, but there has not been enough mobilisation for
it to lead the green revolution. Russian scientists who can lead this research
are out there.
RBTH: What long-term challenges does Russia
face in the context of green growth?
K.Y.: When Russia went
through rapid industrialisation, sustainability was not an issue. There are now
places where accumulated pollution has killed ecosystems, and contaminated
heavy-metal production sites where pollution is seeping into waterways. But
technologies to clean up these problems do exist.
RBTH: How do you promote energy efficiency while
stimulating economic growth?
K.Y.: Japan and Denmark have shown you can grow GDP continuously while cutting energy use – the new government in Denmark is pitching green technologies as a way to stimulate economic growth. But I don’t think this mentality has gained a foothold in Russia yet. The government has set up an energy-efficiency programme, and I have heard people ask: “What for? We have lots of energy!” The answer is that there is a high demand for that energy – what you don’t waste, you can sell to other countries.
