<p>President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia -- one of the world's biggest producers of oil and gas -- is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060.</p>.<p>"Russia in practice will strive for carbon neutrality of its economy," he said at an energy forum in Moscow.</p>.<p>"And we set a benchmark for this -- no later than 2060."</p>.<p>Speaking about the world's future energy market, Putin added: "The role of oil and coal will decrease."</p>.<p>While the Russian president was notorious for years for his scepticism about man-made global warming, he has changed tune in recent months.</p>.<p>The carbon neutrality pledge follows an earlier ambitious step in June, when Putin ordered his government to develop a plan to cut carbon emissions to below the level of the European Union by 2050.</p>.<p>"The planet needs informed, responsible actions by all market participants -- both producers and consumers -- focused on the long-term, in the interests of the sustainable development of all our countries," Putin said Wednesday.</p>.<p>Russia is currently the fourth-highest emitter of carbon, and critics say the county is doing far from enough to tackle the crisis.</p>.<p>According to many scientists, Russia -- especially its Siberian and Arctic regions -- is among the countries most exposed to climate change.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia -- one of the world's biggest producers of oil and gas -- is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060.</p>.<p>"Russia in practice will strive for carbon neutrality of its economy," he said at an energy forum in Moscow.</p>.<p>"And we set a benchmark for this -- no later than 2060."</p>.<p>Speaking about the world's future energy market, Putin added: "The role of oil and coal will decrease."</p>.<p>While the Russian president was notorious for years for his scepticism about man-made global warming, he has changed tune in recent months.</p>.<p>The carbon neutrality pledge follows an earlier ambitious step in June, when Putin ordered his government to develop a plan to cut carbon emissions to below the level of the European Union by 2050.</p>.<p>"The planet needs informed, responsible actions by all market participants -- both producers and consumers -- focused on the long-term, in the interests of the sustainable development of all our countries," Putin said Wednesday.</p>.<p>Russia is currently the fourth-highest emitter of carbon, and critics say the county is doing far from enough to tackle the crisis.</p>.<p>According to many scientists, Russia -- especially its Siberian and Arctic regions -- is among the countries most exposed to climate change.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>