The Arctic paradox in the context of the energy transition: The contribution of oil and gas companies to the region's resilience

Subject. Development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, mineral extraction. Objectives. Analysis of the features of the process of developing natural resources in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation under conditions of increasing threats related to anthropogenic pressure on the ecosystem and climate change. Methods. General scientific research methods were applied. Results. It has been established that the energy transition acts as a complex risk multiplier, actualizing climate threats, potentially increasing local environmental pressure, and at the same time creating macroeconomic challenges. An analytical toolkit has been developed, intended for the analysis of the co-evolution of corporate strategies and territorial development strategies. The main risks and shocks associated with the energy transition have been systematized. Conclusions. The activities of key subsoil users – oil and gas companies – acquire a paradoxical character: being the main source of anthropogenic pressure, they simultaneously act as the main actors contributing to the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and creating the basis for the structural transformation of the economy of a strategically important region.