Digital technologies in ecological practice: achievements, challenges, prospects

The directions of using digital technologies in environmental practice are considered. The digitalization of the environmental sphere is considered taking into account global trends and in the context of global and Russian practice. The government documents defining the strategy adopted in the Russian Federation in the field of digital transformation in the ecology and nature management industry are analyzed. An overview of modern digital and information technologies that have been developed in the environmental field is given. Examples of the use of information methods and tools in environmental technologies are given too. Among the technologies considered, special attention is paid to the use of artificial intelligence technologies. The priority areas of information technology application in ecology are shown, and the most well-known digital environmental practices and services are mentioned. Attention is drawn to the problems and risks of digitalization in the environmental sphere. The conclusion is made about the necessity and inevitability of introducing digital technologies into environmental practice.