Implementation of Green, Blue, and Low-Carbon Economy Elements in Urban Agglomerations of the Arctic Zone of Russia (Case Study: The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia))

Abstract

The article examines mechanisms for the transition to sustainable development in Arctic regions using the Republic
of Sakha (Yakutia) as a case study. The Far North faces a unique set of challenges, including permafrost degradation, unstable climatic conditions, and transport isolation, all of which require innovative solutions. The analysis focuses on specific
low-carbon transformation projects, from hybrid energy systems that ensure a reliable power supply under extreme temperatures to local waste management systems and the comprehensive adaptation of urban infrastructure to permafrost processes. It is shown that the effectiveness of such initiatives depends on the synergy of federal Arctic policy, regional strategies,
and local technological solutions. At the same time, a fundamental imbalance is revealed: Yakutia’s economic growth remains
embedded in a resource-based development model, whereas environmental reforms are developing in parallel rather than
becoming the driving force of structural transformation. The article also considers the conceptual foundations of the Arctic’s
transition to a low-carbon model within the framework of international agreements. The 2015 Paris Agreement and the UN
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development establish the regulatory framework linking climate goals with socio-economic
planning. These documents are particularly important for the Arctic, as they stress the need to reduce the carbon intensity
of industry and energy while ensuring employment, access to social infrastructure, and the preservation of the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples.