Implementation of Russia’s environmental and economic policy towards sustainable development: Analysis of dynamics, risks, and structural changes

Today, it can be concluded that the man-made development model, which has virtually exhausted its resource and environmental potential, has been replaced by a sustainable development model based on a balance between economic, social, and environmental imperatives. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of Russia’s state environmental and economic policy in the context of the transition to a sustainable development model. The purpose of this study was to assess the dynamics and effectiveness of environmental policy implementation in the Russian Federation in the context of the transition to sustainable development based on an analysis of statistical indicators for 2020–2024, as well as to identify key issues and solutions. The study is based on official statistical data from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), including indicators of environmental funding, the dynamics of hazardous hydrometeorological events, pollutant emissions, waste generation and disposal, the state of the forest fund, and the system of specially protected natural areas. The methodological basis is a systems approach, comparative analysis, and structural-dynamic analysis. This article examines the theoretical aspects of the technogenic type of development and the concept of sustainable development as an alternative paradigm.

Using statistical data for the period 2020–2024, an analysis of the dynamics of key indicators was conducted: hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena, environmental funding, pollutant emission structure, waste management, forest protection, and the development of specially protected natural areas (SPNA s). Positive trends (increased funding, transition to biological methods of forest protection) and systemic problems (increasing climate risks, a high proportion of stationary pollution sources, and a decrease in waste disposal against the background of increasing waste accumulation) were identified. Conclusions are formulated and areas for improving policy to achieve sustainable development goals are proposed. The practical significance of the work lies in substantiating priority areas for improving public policy: industrial modernization, development of waste recycling infrastructure, integration of climate risks into strategic planning, and ensuring stable funding for environmental research. The findings can be used to adjust national programs in the field of environmental protection and the transition to sustainable development.

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