Sustainable development as a basis for Environmental Policy in the Russian Federation: Concept and main characteristics

Abstract

Background. Environmental policy in the Russian Federation has been developing through the following stages: from orientation to the maximum extraction of resources towards transition to their rational use. This transition was directly related to the goals and strategic objectives of the state, as well as the economic situation in the country. Raw materials continue to play a significant role in the structure of the country’s economy, which is a decisive factor in the development of environmental policy.Aim. To analyze the environmental policy in the Russian Federation and to determine the role of natural resources in its formation and implementation.Materials and methods. The current state of environmental policy in the Russian Federation was studied in relation to the formation and development of sustainable development concepts. The legislative basis and strategic documents regulating this sphere were analyzed. The author dis­tinguishes three stages in the formation of the concept of ecological development: crisis economy, ‘ecologization’ of the society, and provision of a balance. The current stage is associated with a re­sponsible attitude to natural resources and the environment, which is accompanied by a reduction in emissions into the atmosphere, modernization of production processes, elimination of accumu­lated damage, and restoration of ecosystems. Various formats of state–society and state–business relations are considered.Results. The conducted analysis showed that the economic situation and globalization trends have a significant impact on the implementation of environmental policy. The widely spread cli­mate agenda has a mutually exclusive potential, both consolidating and divisive. The pooling of resources of several countries strengthens their positions, while the difference in the economic and technological development has a significant impact on their competitiveness.Conclusion. The Russian Federation and Russian companies will not be able to stay outside the sustainable development agenda. On the one hand, the level of technological development and the availability of natural resources have a significant impact on sustainability. On the other hand, the founders of many large domestic companies include foreign partners who are involved in global­ization processes and international agreements. Therefore, significant adjustments to the current environmental policy may be required in the near future, as a result of the revision of strategies and alliances, obligations and relationships.