Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes original research papers and case studies

Since 1970, humanity has been spending more resources than our planet is able to restore, in fact, we live in debt. Examining trends in the indicator of environmental debt in different countries, the authors of the article show that the modern economic system, a prerequisite for the existence of which is a high rate of economic growth, does not solve the constantly accumulating global problems (inequality, poverty, hunger, waste growth, environmental pollution), but constantly enhances their severity. The study presents methods for calculating the ecological footprint and ecological debt, and also found that the ecological debt burden in the economy of modern Russia is significantly higher than the average in the world. The comparison of the Human Development Index and environmental debt carried out in the article, made it possible to assess whether the current situation corresponds to the material conditions of life within the ecological means of the Earth, and the socio-economic conditions of well-being. It was found that for the most part of the countries is outside the one planet prosperity quadrant, since the environmental debt in more developed countries is higher, and a low debt value is characteristic only of countries with a low Human Development Index. In the course of the study of green (“ecological”) investments, the authors revealed a discrepancy between their value in the Russian economy and the requirements of economic security (threshold value of 5 % of GDP). We suppose that partial neutralization of threats in this area is possible due to the state policy of «green loans», proposed for implementation in the Russian economy. The authors argue the conclusion about the need to modify the system of social reproduction towards its environmental friendliness and inclusiveness.

The article addresses a specific challenge to economic development – the phenomenon of "new" poverty, which includes individuals whose level and quality of life have declined or stagnated due to the exacerbation of economic and social issues in post-Soviet Russian reality. This problem is accompanied by underutilisation of human capital and a potential devaluation of education as a key asset, posing risks to sustainable and progressive economic growth. Moreover, for the domestic economy, ensuring sustainable economic development takes on particular significance, enhancing the importance of the quality of economic growth, specifically through increased labour productivity and the development of human potential. The aim of the research is to clarify the phenomenon of "new" poverty in relation to Russian reality and to model its impact on sustainable economic growth. The research methodology is based on a systematic approach, analysis of time series, and the application of correlation and regression analysis methods in Python. As a result of the study, a definition of the phenomenon of "new" poverty was proposed as a factor limiting sustainable economic growth, not only due to low income levels but also because of the underutilisation and devaluation of human capital. A method for assessing excessive inequality was suggested, allowing for the identification of inequality that exceeds normative levels. An original composite indicator capturing the relative wage level of public-sector employees involved in human capital reproduction (including personnel in general and higher education, as well as research staff) was developed and used as an indicator of the «new» poverty among the employed population. Based on regional data, empirical assessments have been conducted to explore the relationship between accumulated poverty and excessive inequality with low subsequent economic growth rates. This confirmed the hypothesis of a negative connection between absolute poverty and excessive inequality and economic growth rates.