Question

Discuss how economic development is degrading environment?

Answer 1

1. Industrialization: Economic growth is often associated with the rise of industry, which contributes to increased pollution. Factories emit toxic chemicals and pollutants into the air, water, and soil, contributing to environmental degradation.
2. Resource Depletion: Rapid economic expansion drives demand for natural resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, and water. Over extraction of these resources can result in depletion, soil degradation, and ecosystem loss.
3. Climate Change: The reliance on fossil fuels for economic expansion produces significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Climate change has an impact on ecosystems, weather patterns, and biodiversity. Examples include rising temperatures and sea levels.
4. Deforestation: As economies expand, land is frequently cleared for agricultural, urban, and infrastructure development. Deforestation causes habitat loss, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to global warming by decreasing carbon absorption.
5. Air and Water Pollution: Economic activities such as industry, transportation, and energy generation emit atmospheric pollutants, including carbon dioxide, methane, and other hazardous gases. Industrial garbage and chemicals frequently pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans, endangering aquatic life and contaminating drinking water.
6. Agricultural Expansion: As economic development occurs, agriculture expands, sometimes through intensive farming practices, to fulfil rising food demand. This can lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, and excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, affecting the ecosystem.
7. Waste Generation: Increased economic activity increases trash output, such as solid waste, plastic garbage, and electronic waste. Many developing economies lack effective waste management systems, resulting in land and water pollution.