The differentiation of regions by means of the hierarchical method of cluster analysis and environmental data

Abstract

The material presented in the article based on specific knowledge: regional studies, mathematical statistics and environmental economics. The urgency of the problem is due to the adjustment of the mode of the development vector of the country's economy and the search for additional internal reserves, incl. coverage of regions. The theoretical basis was considered as an argument in favor of doing the work. The purpose of the study was a comparative analysis of regions using statistical tools. To achieve this goal, a suitable scientific method was chosen, an array of factual data was formed for 31 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. It was fundamentally important to show the application of different methods of the hierarchical approach of cluster analysis. Using data on the state of the environment and nature management, the expediency of dividing the regions into three groups is substantiated, their comparative characteristics and recommendations for improving the sustainability of development are given. Summing up, it can be stated that the use of the hierarchical method of cluster analysis for the study of 31 regions made it possible to present these subjects of the Russian Federation in a special author's understanding, to show geographical differences, to group them, to generalize the main statistical data on the state of the environment and nature management. The work performed corresponds to the concept of the transition of Russian regions to a new, "green" course of political and economic development.