Economic Growth and the Environment (Essay Sample)

Economic Growth and the Environment
Author's Name
Institution
23rd November, 2013
Economic Growth and the Environment
An economy consists of manufacture and using up of goods and services in a particular geographical location. When there is an increase of the price of goods and services, it is referred as economic growth. The environment consists of the natural resources and the climate. Economic growth is measured in the increase of domestic product and the income. The environment has been the greatest provider to man. Economic growth and the environment always work hand in hand. Economic growth has its merits and demerits; it leads to the prosperity of the environment and damage. (Barrow & Robert, 1995)
Economic growth is sometimes linked to technology. Technology is the use and knowledge of machines and systems to improve the economy. Introduction of technology to the economy has affected the environment. Technology has had both negative and positive effects on the environment. Technology is being used in many sectors. It is being used in growing plants, in production of goods and services and in medical sectors. On the other hand due to technology, many people are ending up unemployed. This is affecting the environment. Some of the end products of technology are ending up in the environment thus causing damages. (Desai & Uday, 1998)
When the industries release their waste products to the environment, the chemicals destroy the ecosystem continuously. Nitrogen components mix with other gases in the atmosphere and cause global warming and acidic rain. Acidic rain is known for affecting people's skins and burning the plants. When the chemicals from the factories are let in the rivers, they destroy the sea plants and creatures that live in water. (Desai & Uday, 1998)
When we consider the continuing infrastructure in the economy, all we see is the economic growth but we lack to see the destruction it has on the environment. People are destroying the home for wildlife by cultivating the forests and cutting down trees for constructions and production purposes. Poaching of animals and rare species for the production of jewelries and other goods is destroying the environment day by day. (Friedman & Benjamin, 2005)
As well as the problem of destroying the environment continues, economic growth is important to us. R...