Assessment of the Relationship Between the Current Economic Development State and Environmental Pollution in the Republic of Buryatia, Russia

Abstract

The transition to green economic development is one of the priorities for the environmental-socio-economic development of the Baikal Natural Territory regions, including the Republic of Buryatia. Considering the special characteristics of the regional policy regarding Lake Baikal conservation, protecting the lake's ecosystem while maintaining sustainable economic development is one of the most important tasks at present. This study considers international experience in the green economic development transition, the relationship between economic growth rates and environmental pollution, and the decoupling of economic development and environmental pollution. In the example of the Republic of Buryatia, we assessed the relationship between the current state of economic development and environmental pollution using indicators of environmental intensity and the presence of the decoupling effect. The study's results made it possible to determine the current trend and prospects for the region's development. We gave recommendations on regional environmental policy improvement, as well as environmental measures in order to green production.