Ways Economic growth affects environmental safety
Economic growth means an increase in real output (real GDP). Therefore, with increased output and consumption we are likely to see costs imposed on the environment. The environmental impact of economic growth includes the increased consumption of non-renewable resources, higher levels of pollution, global warming, and the potential loss of environmental habitats. All of which are dependent on the environmental safety of the country or community.
Economic growth causes damage to the environment; likewise, environmental safety also has an effect on the growth of the economy.
Below are ways in which economic growth affects the environmental safety of our society.
1. Pollution
Increased consumption of fossil fuels can lead to immediate problems such as poor air quality and soot. Some of the worst problems of burning fossil fuels have been mitigated by the Clean Air Acts, all of which limit the burning of coal in the city center. Showing that economic growth can be consistent with reducing a certain type of pollution.
Less visible, more diffuse pollution. While smogs were very clear and obvious danger, the effects of increased CO2 emissions are less immediately obvious, and therefore, there is less incentive for policymakers to tackle. Scientists state the accumulation of CO2 emissions has contributed to global warming and more volatile weather. All this suggests economic growth is increasing long-term environmental costs â not just for the present moment, but for future generations.
2. Loss of Biodiversity
Economic growth leads to resource depletion and loss of bio life. This could harm the future carrying capacity of ecological systems for the economy. Although there is uncertainty about the extent of this cost as the benefit of lost genetic maps may never be known. But the skyrocketing growth in economics and its progression has shown the environment is likely to suffer more depletion if care is not taken.
3. Long-term toxins
Economic growth creates long-term waste and toxins, which may have unknown consequences. For example, economic growth has led to increased use of plastic, which when disposed of does not degrade. So there is an ever-increasing stock of plastic in the seas and environment â which is both unsightly but also damaging to wildlife. Also, the use and dumping of refuse around increased the rate at which the environment becomes hard to control in terms of heat. All of this leads to the extinction of bio life, which is useful.
4. Soil Erosion and volatile weather
Cutting down trees has led to so much destruction on both Bio-Life and the environment. Deforestation resulting from economic development damages soil and makes areas more prone to drought. Most times these droughts become uncontrollable, thereby leading to loss of life and properties.
5. Damages to nature’s resource
Natural resources which are meant to improve the life and state of the random environment most of the time undergo rigorous development which ends up proving their destruction. Air/land/water pollution causes health problems and can damage the productivity of land and seas.
