Home – Home – Jornals – Region: Economics and Sociology 2023 number 2

This article examines the environmental and economic development issues in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, specifically in areas of Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic. The goal is to identify the challenges and unique characteristics of Arctic territories within these two regions. The study utilizes a comparative approach, analyzing data from a focused sociological survey of the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the area against official departmental statistics and enterprise data. The data were processed using SPSS software, as well as sociological and statistical methods. The conclusive analytical findings were derived from a synthesis of various academic disciplines encompassing spatial economics, economic sociology, the sustainable development concept, and the dialectical approach. The results provide insights from the population of the Arctic territories within Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic, specifically, the public’s assessment of the state of the environment in their direct places of residence, and at the regional, national, and global levels. We identify the specific ways in which the dynamics of the environment are perceived within each territory, as well as determine and compare with official data the sources of major perceived threats to the environmental well-being of these areas. Additionally, the study evaluates the level of satisfaction with the state of key environmental components. This research is scientifically important due to the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the results, which were achieved through the application of a wide range of tools. It contributes to the scientific study of environmental and economic issues related to the development of Russia’s Arctic Zone. Moreover, the study is relevant as a foundation for further scientific research, including those utilizing theories of reasoned action, “values-beliefs-norm, " and other similar approaches. Its practical significance lies in the need to establish an analytical framework for addressing environmental and economic considerations in the development of the Russian Arctic, which is crucial due to the growing ecological risks and new economic challenges.