The exploitation and transportation of hydrocarbons in the Arctic should not have an impact on the environment, and the Arctic countries should reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, US Ambassador to Russia John Tefft said at the conference, International Cooperation in the Arctic: New Challenges and Vectors of Development.

The Ambassador said that it was extremely important for the Arctic countries, which are major economies and major polluters, to reduce emissions and go green.

According to him, the effect of climate change can be best seen in the Arctic. Reducing the negative impact of the exploitation and transportation of hydrocarbons should be a priority for the Arctic Council.

The Arctic states should double their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Tefft believes.