Russian natural-resource complex: the trajectory of unsustainable development
Brief geoecological characteristic of Russian natural-resource complex is presented. Information base in the sphere of natural resources has been deteriorated in post-soviet years. The role of economic sectors based on mineral resources increases. Imbalances in system “production - processing - domestic consumption - export of mineral raw materials” are growing. The use of renewable natural resources is more and more concentrating in compact areas near central places and main highways. The boundary of plant-growing prevalence in agriculture (in comparison with stock-raising) have shifted from steppe in the 1980s up to tundra at present. As a result, the feature and scale of agricultural pressure on the landscapes have changed. Recent changes of natural-resource complex do not meet the criteria of sustainable development. An important role of the natural resources in the economy of Russia prioritizes Earth sciences including geography and geoecology.