SWEDISH EXPERIENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE ARCTIC

The article examines the infrastructure approach to the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). This is done from the point of view of compliance of this development with the so-called megatrends of the world economy, highlighting theoretical, conceptual, and technological aspects. he characteristic of modern geoeconomic and geopolitical factors of development of the AZRF is given. A brief comparative analysis of applicability of economic models that are relevant the concept of sustainable development in the case of the Russian Arctic: bioeconomy, green economy, and circular economy. A few conditions for the implementation of the circular economy model in the Russian Arctic is considered. In connection with the representation of the AZRF as a heterogeneous socio-economic, real-virtual, socio-cyber-physical space, a special role of logistics infrastructure is shown as necessary condition for ensuring the sustainable development of this largest Russian region. The emphasis is made on the need to conceptualize the concept of "logistics infrastructure". Based on a holistic approach to logistics, a 5-layer (underwater, water, ground, air, space) conceptual research holistic model is proposed that could be used for designing, constructing, and monitoring the system of logistics flows in the Russian Arctic. The result of an analytical assessment (in dimensions of "digitalization" and "sustainability") of the state of the Art and possible development for the underwater layer of the logistics infrastructure of the Russian Arctic. The conclusions of the article could be useful both for designing the logistics infrastructure of the Russian Arctic, and for designing the courses of disciplines of higher education relevant to the problem under consideration.

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Carbon dioxide utilization and circular economy: The world, Russia and the Arctic

Север и рынок: формирование экономического порядка ◽

10.37614/2220-802x.4.2021.74.004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (4-2021) ◽

pp. 42-55

Author(s):

Ekaterina A. Kuznetsova ◽

◽

Alina A. Cherepovitsyna ◽

Keyword(s):

Carbon Dioxide ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Carbon Capture ◽

The Arctic ◽

Emission Mitigation ◽

Methanol Production ◽

Carbon Dioxide Utilization ◽

Industrial Complexes ◽

Greenhouse Emission ◽

Sustainability Challenges

Sustainable development of regions, territories, and industrial complexes is becoming increasingly important in the context of global environmental challenges. The practical realization of the sustainability challenges depends more on the implementation of specific technologies, including greenhouse emission mitigation technologies. Today, the development and scaling out of CC(U)S (carbon capture, utilization and storage) technologies seems to be one of the most realistic ways to reduce CO2 emissions. The role of CO2 is changing in the context of circular economy principles, it is no longer considered as industrial waste, but as a valuable resource. The aim of this paper is to analyze and assess the prospects for carbon dioxide utilization, as well as the cost-effectiveness of CC(U)S initiatives (using the example of a CO2-based methanol production project in Iceland) in order to explore the prerequisites and opportunities for the development of such projects in the Arctic. In order to assess the spread of technology worldwide, an analysis of foreign experience in implementing such initiatives is presented, as well as the main promising ways of carbon dioxide utilization and their key features are identified. The economic efficiency of the CO2-based methanol production project (by the example of a commercial project in Iceland) is substantiated. A general vision of the prerequisites and opportunities for the implementation of CC(U)S initiatives in the Arctic regions is presented.

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The hierarchy of resource use for a sustainable circular economy

International Journal of Social Economics ◽

10.1108/ijse-02-2019-0103 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

pp. 27-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Heidi Rapp Nilsen

Keyword(s):

Resource Use ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Real Option ◽

Action Plan ◽

Safety Net ◽

Raw Material ◽

The Arctic ◽

Theoretical Possibility ◽

Content Type ◽

Closing The Loop

Purpose The original principles of the hierarchy of resource use seem to have been forgotten. The purpose of this paper is to address the necessity of these principles in order for a circular economy (CE) to be sustainable. Design/methodology/approach This is a general review paper explaining today’s shortcomings in a CE and in the waste hierarchy. Its theoretical contribution is illustrated using the example of marine plastic waste in the Arctic, as well as the EU’s action plan for a CE: “Closing the loop”. Findings There is a need to reduce raw materials into the economy directly and not only as a potential result of recycling. This is supported theoretically and by illustrating that the EU’s action plan is closing the loop primarily from the output side. Research limitations/implications The theoretical possibility of complete recycling rests on a premise that is now at odds with a sustainable development. Social implications The power of existing raw material production cycles must be challenged to allow reduction to be a real option. If not, a CE may exacerbate a moral trade-off by the current generation reducing the safe operating space of future living beings. Originality/value The theoretical possibility of recycling everything, also known as the technology-optimist view, has played the role of a safety net for humanity. As we are now exceeding planetary boundaries for a safe and just space for humanity, this theoretical safety net is no longer valid. Instead, we must reinforce the basic principles of the hierarchy of resource use.

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