Subject A greener approach to economic growth necessitates harmonization of the Russian environmental policy with the norms of international law. Objectives The study aims at the comparative analysis of changes in the environmental policy of the European Union and Russia and the assessment of their impact on environmental pollution. Methods The research employs statistical, comparative and content analysis. To assess the vector of economic development, the P. Victor’s green growth model is used. Results There is a relationship between changes in environmental legislation and the environmental pollution. The effect of changes in legislation is generally positive and contributes to green growth. Changes in the environmental policy of Russia follow the same scenario as in the EU countries, however with a significant time lag. The relationship between changes in environmental policy and the level of environmental pollution is not obvious. The comparative analysis shows that in the EU member States and in Russia the environmental impact per unit of GDP decreases, but GDP growth in general increases emissions in absolute terms. Conclusions The study of international experience in amendments to environmental legislation and practice on the application of various instruments of environmental policy will help reduce uncertainties when building a new system of environmental regulation, and speed up the process of green economy development.
Keywords: environmental policy, green growth, greenhouse gases, environmental pollution
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