Ecological Problems of the Arctic and Their Socioeconomic Consequences

• Published in: Problems of economic transition Vol. 60; no. 10-11; pp. 816 - 827
• Main Authors: Sedova, N.B., Kochemasova, E.Iu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 02.11.2018
• Subjects: Arctic; ecology; North; sea and coastal environmental management
• ISSN: 1061-1991; 1557-931X
• DOI: 10.1080/10611991.2018.1628601

Russia was the first country to begin largescale economic development of the Arctic territories and make intensive use of the Arctic's natural resources. The Arctic zone underwent localized economic development without consideration of the natural ecosystems' vulnerability to technogenic effects, which led to the pollution of the natural environment. This article uncovers the nature and scale of ecological damage caused mainly by the system of technology and work practices used for extraction and transportation of the North's mineral resources. The authors believe that it is intolerable to continue such development of the northern territories and it is unacceptable to reject adequate measures to eliminate previously incurred ecological damage.