The principles of the green economy in the context of agglomeration: Evidence from Big Ekaterinburg

Abstract

The authors consider an urban agglomeration as a more integral informal economic subject uniting economic interests of its municipalities and expressing interests of the territory which can become a driver of the "green economy" strategy. High level of social and economic development of an agglomeration kernel, and high capabilities related to minimization of environmental risks and multiplying natural capital of the small cities allows synchronization of economic growth, optimal use of natural resources and decreasing decoupling effect. Using Big Ekaterinburg as an example of urban agglomerations the authors have shown that strategic planning documents on the municipal level require cardinal revision in the context of complex development of the territory, "green" economy principles implementation and harmonization of relations among the economy, society, and environment.