The main theme of the discussion, held as part of the scientific session of the General Meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was the problem of global warming. Dmitry Medvedev listened to the views of Russian scientists on the subject in anticipation of his visit to Copenhagen for the UN conference on climate change.
The President outlined Russia's pragmatic position concerning serious disagreements between developed and developing countries over signing an agreement on climate change. Dmitry Medvedev stressed that, despite the politicisation of the debate and the different points of view on the problem of climate change, efforts made to improve environment and energy efficiency can only benefit Russia in the long-term.
Mr Medvedev supported the suggestion of well-known climate expert Academician Yury Israel to convene a conference in Russia that eschews politics and devotes itself to a purely scientific analysis of the problems of climate change and adaptation to it.
The use of innovative methods for the modernisation of Russia’s economy, the commercialisation of research results, the role of youth in science and support for young scientists were also discussed at the meeting.
The President expressed his satisfaction with the discussions, stressing that the meeting at the Russian Academy of Sciences would prove to be a rich source of crucial information to support Russia’s position at the UN Conference.