New estimates of eco-intensity considering the hazardous industrial pollution accumulation

Abstract

The paper proposes a new approach to environmental and economic assessments based on the author’s economic and mathematical model that takes into account the accumulation of hazardous pollutants in natural environments. It also presents the results of calculations showing the dynamics of the increase in the negative impact depending on the natural assimilation of pollutants. This data can be considered as a quantitative assessment of the “environmental cost” that society pays by consuming goods the production of which is accompanied by the accumulation of long-lived pollutants. It is shown that this “price” can very significantly exceed the eco-intensity calculated without taking into account the accumulation of pollutants. Thus, the accumulation of pollutants as a result of economic activity is an important factor in the context of the impact on the ecological and economic balance. The implementation of the results obtained in the adjustment of the calculations of payments for negative environmental impact is proposed: to set payments per unit of production which are not proportional to emissions, but proportional to the eco-intensity calculated according to the proposed methodology. In this case, the accumulation of harmful substances in natural environments, the added value of production and the timing of project implementation will be taken into account. This corresponds to the concept of “green” economy, which provides the growth of well-being and quality of life with the maximum possible reduction of the negative anthropogenic pressure and improvement of the quality of the environment.