经济增长与环境的关系

Despite advances in technology and better amendments to civil rights, the problems of world poverty and hunger persist. Some experts say that further economic growth is needed, particularly in underdeveloped countries. However, others disagree, stating that the push for economic growth is just destroying nature.

Many believe that the key to poverty and hunger is for underdeveloped countries to become self-sustaining. This means they need to maximize their natural and human resources so their economy can grow, providing employment and additional funds to help those in need. Investing in the right farming technologies may also ensure there is food for all. Such experts also say that even developed countries ought to aim for more economic growth so that they can give more aid to developing nations, making it a mandate for all countries.

Nevertheless, there are opponents to this train of thought as nature is suffering for the sake of economic growth. Though manufacturing and the export of raw materials bring in much money, corporations are not replacing what was taken nor ensuring that resources are extracted properly. Agriculturally, forests are leveled to produce beef, which only the rich can afford, and fields are burned for the next planting season, contributing to global warming. If these activities are not stopped, they say, the world will have even more problems as the earth will not be able to sustain the human race.

In my opinion, poverty and hunger can only be resolved if there is a balance between economic growth and the protection of nature. Since products need raw materials, the earth’s resources will still be used. It is certainly not the best idea to develop economy at the expense of nature. If businesses can recycle and regulate how things are done, nature will not suffer as much. To reduce poverty and hunger, we just need to be wiser stewards of the earth and be more willing to give aid to those in need.