Strategic threats to water security in Russia: interconnection of water security, risks and economic growth

Abstract

The stability of the economy of the Russian Federation depends on the availability of water resources. In the main, statistical information shows that Russia is the most water-rich country. However, at the national and local levels, the lack of readily available freshwater in the regions of Russia has proved to be a key risk, and water scarcity has threatened economic growth in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Population growth and urbanization, climate change, destruction of forest ecosystems, pollution of water resources and an increase in dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena are strategic threats to Russia’s sustainable economic growth. The article analyzed water-related risks affecting the sustainable use of water resources in the Russian Federation and, consequently, economic growth. The results of the study are of practical importance in the development of strategies for sustainable water management and for the development of a methodology for the economic assessment of water-related risks.