Environmental sustainability is vital for development
A healthy environment provides resources for economic growth and the necessities of
life, such as food, water, and air.
Environmental sustainability can contribute to economic sustainability
Conserving natural resources for future generations can reduce resource depletion
and environmental degradation, which can undermine long-term economic viability.
Unsustainable practices can jeopardize future economic sustainability
Careless resource usage can lead to depletion, which can hinder a country's
development progress.
The quality of life has been declining globally
The economic growth of industrial nations has negatively impacted the environment,
leading to a decline in quality of life globally.
Environmental issues have been worsening
Many inter-connected environmental issues have been worsening recently, including
air and water pollution, climate change, soil degradation, and more.
In recent years, air pollution has contributed to one in ten deaths globally.
the problem of air pollution is worse in developing countries. Developing
countries have challenges that developed countries don't, such as rapid and
unregulated economic expansion, and as a result, their pollution problems are
worse.
Developing countries often rely heavily on natural resources, such as forests,
fisheries, and minerals. Unsustainable exploitation of these resources can lead to
depletion, leaving future generations impoverished. The example of Ethiopia's
sustainable land management programs, which integrate reforestation and
agricultural practices, demonstrates how environmental sustainability can improve
productivity while safeguarding resources.
Developing countries are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change. Rising
temperatures, floods, droughts, and natural disasters hit these nations hardest.
Prioritizing environmental sustainability can help mitigate these risks. A report
by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that developing
countries, especially those in Africa and Southeast Asia, are particularly
vulnerable to climate-induced extreme weather events, which can wipe out years of
economic progress.
Many international bodies, such as the United Nations and the Green Climate Fund,
provide financial incentives and support for sustainable projects. Developing
countries that emphasize sustainability can attract foreign investment and aid, as
green finance becomes a key focus globally. Countries like Morocco have attracted
significant investments in renewable energy projects, such as the Noor solar
project, which is one of the largest in the world.
Against:-
Economic Growth is a Priority for Poverty Alleviation: Economic development lifts
people out of poverty, creates jobs, and improves infrastructure. For many
developing countries, fast economic growth is crucial to provide basic needs like
healthcare, education, and sanitation. China's rapid economic growth lifted over
850 million people out of poverty since 1980, but much of this was driven by
industrialization, which was not environmentally sustainable at first.
Environmental sustainability may seem like a luxury to countries with high poverty
rates. The urgent need for infrastructure, jobs, and basic services often takes
precedence over environmental concerns. Countries like Bangladesh prioritize rapid
industrial growth to create jobs for their large populations, despite the
environmental costs associated with it.
Sustainable practices can be expensive. Renewable energy, for example, often
requires large initial investments that many developing countries cannot afford. A
report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that the upfront costs for
renewable energy projects are significantly higher than for conventional energy
sources, like coal or natural gas. This makes sustainability a difficult priority
for resource-constrained nations.
Many developing countries rely on industries such as mining, agriculture, and
manufacturing, which can be resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. If
these industries are regulated too heavily in the name of sustainability, economic
growth could slow down, leading to higher unemployment and social unrest. For
instance, countries in West Africa rely heavily on mining for their economic
output, but strict environmental regulations could reduce profitability in these
sectors. Congo too.
By prioritizing sustainability, developing countries might become dependent on
foreign technologies and expertise. Many advanced sustainable technologies, such as
electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels, are produced by developed
nations. This could lead to further inequality, as developing nations might have to
rely on expensive imports to meet sustainability goals.
China has the second largest economy and also has been reducing its air pollution
rates from the past two years
