Sustainable development of the northern regions: economic and ecological aspects

Abstract

Provision of ecological conditions of population make a priority in development of high-tech, manufacturing and infrastructure industries in terms of sustainability and minimal impact of the environment. Reducing the specific weight of processing industries in the economy; a radical increase in the efficiency on economical use of natural resources lead to sharp decline in the consumption of natural resources and amounts of pollution per unit of end result; thus reducing an environmental pollution. But the potential of the Northern territories in terms of the rational use of natural resources, including renewable energy sources and employment of innovative environmental technologies has not been used to the full. Recently the focus in research of sustainable development has been made on the so called “green economy”. This model of economic development fully considers the value of natural capital and ecological services, involving ecological sustainability, social justice, the development of local industries. The article analyses opportunities and constrains of sustainable development of the Northern territories. Economic and environmental problems of sustainable development are identified; the principles ensuring the improvement of life quality in the Northern regions are formulated. The authors present a set of tasks to carry out sustainable development of the Northern regions, aimed at efficient use of resources, access to innovative path of development and growth of high technology sector of the economy. To conclude, the main problem in the green economy is imperfect markets enable to provide commercial incentives for “green” development. The solution is in active participation of the state and society in the transition to a “green” model and sustainable development.