Policy instruments currently in use
Generally, it has been hard to thoroughly grasp the extent to which Russia engage in environmental actions and technological policies since the sources commonly are contradictory and outdated. There are indications of actions towards more restricted and sustainable policies within the industry sector mentioned below. The level of compliance to these initiatives are however divided.
Voluntary environmental management systems and corporate reporting. Incorporation and adoption of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that promotes certifications \cite{oecd2006} according to ISO 14000- standards have in recent years become more common among Russian companies. These certifications have generally played a positive role in promoting environmental awareness and increased the ambition of corporate environmental related reporting in Russia.
Environmental performance ratings. These are ever how fractionated and lack a unison way of measure and rate the investigated companies \cite{oecd2006}.
Environmental assessments. Communicated to exist, but have not been reported in recent years \cite{oecd2006}.
Permitting and Emission Limit Values. These limits are ever how vague and widely defined, especially in the field regarding natural resources \cite{oecd2006}.
Environmental quality standards (EQS). Most of these standards originate from the beginning of the Soviet period (1922) and are set so low they are unachievable today. The EQS in practice thereby become inapplicable.
Natural gas subsidies. Russian homes and industries enjoy significant subsidies on natural gas, and they are encouraged by the Russian government to use it preferentially over other types of fossil fuels \cite{development}. The subsidy has not been clearly quantified, though, since there doesn’t seem to be a benchmark price against which to compare actual prices. Natural gas also seems popular as a fuel for automobiles and is encouraged by the government, with many aftermarket conversion kits as well as natively natural gas systems \cite{gasa}. While gas may be a cleaner alternative than petroleum, diesel and coal, the subsidies are also dangerous in that they are preventing the entry of renewables into the market.
Policy changes in the near future
Environmental management and environmental beneficing actions in Russia has historically, to great extent, been interfered by several factors that supersede improvement. The most prominent of these circumstances is \cite{oecd2006}
The lack of a united, strong federal environmental authority responsible for policy- making and governance
Lack of assessment capabilities and supervisory control of previously taken actions
Lack of knowledge and skilled professionals
Lack of possibilities to public engagement
These obstacles to a successful environmental policy should preferably be attended as soon as possible. As a first step Russia need to create an accountable, governmentally supported, independent organ responsible for policy-making decisions, supervision and education in the subject. Secondly, one should not forget that the Russian economy is not prospering and economic revival might thereby eclipse environmental goals. Rather than punishing private polluters, the government should preferably create incentives through rewards or substitutions to actors who contribute positively as well as encourage and empower actors taking positive initiatives. In the interest of environmental protection, it is also worth phasing out subsidies on natural gas so that renewable energies can become cost competitive on the energy market. However, it is possible that this might result in backlash from the public that the government is no doubt wary of.
These actions are almost instantly implementable actions. In a long-term perspective, more severe restrictions of pollution and encourage of sustainable technology should be implemented. Two of the biggest sources of pollution is industrial production and the usage of vehicles, these should thereby be the main areas to target. How to tackle the two sectors will vary. In the industry transparency, regulations and economic incentives will be keys. To mitigate the pollution originated from vehicles one need to target civilians who might be reluctant to reduce their usage of cars if the price of doing so is higher. One should neither exclude the need for civilians to travel long distance due to the dimensions of the country. One solution could be that the government implements subventions for using vehicles driven renewable sources or less travel by car.
Appendix 1
| Russia | Switzerland | Sweden |
Population | 147 Million | 8,48 Million | 10.12 Million |
GDP per capita | 10 743 USD | 80 190 USD | 53 442 USD |
GDP growth rate | 0,9% | -0,2% | -0,2% |
Unemployment Rate | 4.7 % | 2,4% | 5,5% |
Consumer Price Index (Inflation) | 3.8 % | 0,9% | 2,3% |
Interest Rates | 7.5 % | -0.75 % | -0.5 % |
Balance of Trade | 18485M USD | 2655M USD | -926M USD |