EconDev Ass8

Assignment 8 The Environment and Development
1. Is sustainable development a practical and feasible goal for nations? What might be some of the
difficulties and possible trade-offs? Explain your answer.
= Sustainable development is a practical and feasible goal for nations, but it comes with
challenges and trade-offs. On one hand, it aims to meet present needs without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Achieving this requires integrating
economic, social, and environmental considerations into policies and decision-making.
Difficulties arise due to conflicting interests among stakeholders, limited resources, and differing
priorities. For instance, transitioning to renewable energy sources may face opposition from
industries reliant on fossil fuels. Additionally, the pursuit of economic growth might lead to
environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.
Trade-offs involve weighing short-term gains with long-term sustainability. Policies promoting
economic growth may neglect social equity or environmental preservation. Conversely,
prioritizing environmental conservation may impede short-term economic development or social
progress.
However, addressing these challenges through innovation, collaboration, and adaptive

governance can lead to synergistic solutions. For example, investing in green technologies can
stimulate economic growth while reducing environmental impact. Moreover, inclusive decision-
making processes that consider diverse perspectives can foster consensus and enhance the
effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives.
To conclude, even if sustainable development involves trade-offs and complexity, it is still a goal
that may be attained through coordinated efforts to balance environmental, social, and
economic objectives.
2. In what ways does poverty lead to environmental degradation? In what way are the poor
victims? Specifically, provide two examples of how the poor sometimes degrade the natural
resources on which they depend. Why does this happen and what might be done to escape this
trap?
= Through an array of ways, poverty leads to environmental degradation, frequently turning the
impoverished into victims of a vicious cycle. First of all, poverty drives people to put short-term
survival ahead of long-term sustainability, which overuses natural resources like soil, water, and
forests to meet immediate needs like fuel, food, and shelter. To meet their daily food needs,
underprivileged people can, for example, turn to overfishing, slash-and-burn agriculture, or
clearing forests for farmland.
Secondly, lacking access to alternative livelihood options, the poor often have limited choices but
to engage in environmentally harmful activities, such as illegal logging or poaching, further
worsen degradation. Interventions need to address both the unsustainable exploitation of
natural resources and the underlying causes of poverty in order to break free from this trap. This
could involve implementing sustainable development initiatives that provide alternative income
sources, investing in education and capacity-building programs, and promoting community-
based resource management strategies to ensure equitable access and conservation. Ultimately,
breaking the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation requires a holistic approach that
addresses socio-economic disparities while promoting environmental sustainability.
3. Why are children more susceptible than adults to health risks posed by their environment?
= The environment affects children differently than adults. Because their bodies are still growing,
children are at greater risk if they are exposed to environmental contaminants. Children are not
little adults—their bodies are not the same as adult bodies. Because they are small and still
developing, they are more easily exposed to environmental contaminants and here’s why:
• Children breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food per pound of body weight than
adults.
• Children are more likely to put their hands in their mouth.
• A child’s body may not be able to break down and get rid of harmful contaminants that enter
their body.
• Health problems from an environmental exposure can take years to develop. Because they are
young, children have more time to develop health conditions and diseases than adults who are
exposed later in their life.
4. In what ways can developed nations best contribute to the alleviation of global and domestic
environmental problems? Be specific.
= Developed nations can make a profound impact on global and domestic environmental
problems through a combination of policy, technology, and collaboration. First and foremost,
they ought to place a high priority on transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing
carbon emissions, establishing ambitious targets and investing in clean energy infrastructure.
Additionally, promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, such as reducing
waste and adopting circular economy practices, can significantly mitigate environmental
degradation.
Moreover, developed nations should support developing countries in adopting eco-friendly

technologies and strengthening their ability to withstand the effects of climate change by
providing funding, transferring technology, and launching capacity-building programs. Finally,
fostering international cooperation and agreements is essential to address trans boundary
environmental issues effectively. Through this, developed nations can lead by example and make
substantial contribution to global and domestic environmental sustainability.

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Assignment 8 The Environment and Development

However, addressing these challenges through innovation, collaboration, and adaptive

Moreover, developed nations should support developing countries in adopting eco-friendly

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