Assessment of the Ecological and Economic Sustainability of Russian Urban Agglomerations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17059/ekon.reg.2025-1-4

Keywords:

urban agglomeration, cluster analysis, agglomeration sustainability, spatial development, environmental protection, economic development

Abstract

Urban agglomerations in the Russian Federation are receiving increasing attention due to their role in economic growth, particularly in light of the socio-economic imbalance between cities and peripheral regions. This study aims to assess the ecological and economic sustainability of urban agglomerations in Russia by using cluster analysis to identify groups of agglomerations with similar sustainability profiles. The research relies on statistical, comparative geographic, and cluster analysis methods. The study is based on data from the Federal State Statistics Service, environmental protection reports, and materials from the Institute for Economics of the City, which cover various economic, social, and environmental aspects. Through the analysis, four distinct clusters of urban agglomerations were identified, and the key factors contributing to their sustainability were determined. The study found that factors such as population density, gross emissions, total waste production, and waste intensity are the primary contributors to lower environmental sustainability. As a result, the agglomerations in the first cluster were identified as the least environmentally and economically stable. The agglomerations in the third and fourth clusters were slightly more stable, while those in the second cluster exhibited the highest levels of stability. These findings can serve as a foundation for developing strategies and practical solutions to enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of urban agglomerations in Russia. These findings can also be used for urban planning, forecasting development, creating environmental ratings, and implementing effective environmental protection measures at both the regional and national levels.

Author Biographies

Philipp Yu. Kaizer , Kemerovo State University

Cand. Sci. (Geogr.), Associate Professor of the Department of Geology and Geography; Scopus Author ID: 57218918859; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6756-6493 (73, Sovetskiy av., Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation; e-mail: filipp.kaizer@yandex.ru).

Olga A. Brel , Kemerovo State University

Dr. Sci. (Ped.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Geology and Geography; Scopus Author ID: 57194028052; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2598-8361 (73, Sovetskiy av., Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation; e-mail: brel_o_a@mail.ru).

Anna I. Zaytseva , Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation

Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Geology and Geography Department; Scopus Author ID: 57197717209; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5884-3586 (73, Sovetskiy av., Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation; e-mail: lit-ani@mail.ru).

Natalia L. Lisina , Kemerovo State University

Dr. Sci. (Law), Associate Professor, Vice-Rector for Property Complex Development, Head of the Department of Labor, Environmental Law and Civil Procedure; Scopus Author ID: 57211097015; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8707-2274 (73, Sovetskiy av., Kemerovo, 650000, Russian Federation; e-mail: lisina_nl@mail.ru).

Published

28.03.2025

How to Cite

Kaizer Ф. Ю. ., Brel О. А. ., Zaytseva А. И. ., & Lisina Н. Л. . (2025). Assessment of the Ecological and Economic Sustainability of Russian Urban Agglomerations . Economy of Regions, 21(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.17059/ekon.reg.2025-1-4

Issue

Section

Regional Economy