In Search of Sustainable Development: A Critical Analysis of the Modern Moscow Experience

Abstract

The uncontrolled growth of large cities leads to environmental degradation. A decrease in the quality of life and a negative reaction of the population to the changes take place. The externality theory is chosen by the authors as a methodological approach to explore urban conflicts, since it allows identifying and assessing the real economic costs of decisions made by city authorities. Comparison of the provisions of the concept of sustainable urbanism and the actual state of Moscow allowed the authors to draw a conclusion about the anti-sustainable development trend of this city. Sustainable urbanism sees a high quality urban environment characterized by ecological and social health as the main feature of a modern city. Moscow does not comply with these principles, which is proved by numerous conflicts with residents. The tools for urban planning optimization are proposed. The fair concession method and the formation of a true utility function are proposed as objective criteria in the process of urban planning. That allows us to prevent and / or resolve some types of urban conflicts.