Reducing the resource intensity of production as the most important condition for ensuring economic growth without compromising the environment

Abstract

Solving the problem of reducing the resource intensity of production and resource conservation in modern conditions means moving towards a more responsible and efficient use of natural resources. It is aimed at solving a complex task, on the one hand, meeting growing needs in conditions of resource scarcity, on the other hand, reducing environmental consequences and minimizing losses associated with them. In addition, the desire to use natural resources more efficiently and responsibly gives another synergetic effect, this is the stimulation of innovation and the development of a closed-cycle economy. The purpose of this article is to substantiate the need to form mechanisms for solving the problem of ensuring economic growth in conditions of reducing resource intensity and minimizing damage to the environment. Based on the systematization of the goals of sustainable economic development, the concept of resource efficiency and the model of the «green» economy, the пthree-pronged goal of the concept of reducing the resource intensity of production is identified, the foundations of the cardinal transformation of the global economy and its transition to a resource-efficient model are determined. The main directions of implementation of measures in the field of increasing resource efficiency and reducing the resource intensity of production are identified. Based on the analysis of the implemented measures and technologies used in the field of resource saving and reducing the resource intensity of production, conclusions are drawn about their low effectiveness and the main problems that reduce the effectiveness of the transformation of the economy and its transition to a resource-efficient model are identified. The contradictions that require attention in the process of forming approaches to solving the problem of ensuring economic growth without harming the environment are identified, among them the lack of the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of products throughout the entire life cycle, the effect of environmental rebound and restrictions on the cyclical use of resources. The author’s view of the main stages of the transition to the concept of a circular economy is presented and a forecast is made to reduce the volume of greenhouse gas emissions in general and by sectors of the economy.