Assignment 7 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 development that meets the needs of the present, without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to UN, The
Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet
and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by
all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which
set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.

Sustainable development is a realistic and doable objective for countries, but it

necessitates a comprehensive strategy that strikes a balance between social fairness, economic
progress, and environmental conservation. This idea has gained a lot of attention recently and
is being used as a blueprint for action around the world. However, in an effort to address them,
a number of issues have emerged that are impeding the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals. These issues include rising global consumption levels, increased
corruption, high rates of suicide, as well as high rates of population growth. These issues put
individuals in vulnerable positions, which makes it difficult and puts pressure on the
unsustainable use of natural resources. The following are some potential trade-offs that
countries may encounter when seeking sustainable development:

o Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation is one

of the biggest difficulties. Mining, industry, and agriculture are just a few of the
economic sectors and activities that can harm the environment. Governments must
find ways to foster economic growth while avoiding environmental deterioration, which
may entail putting in place stronger rules, promoting sustainable behaviors, and
investing in cleaner technologies.

o Benefits in the long run against the short run: Policymakers frequently feel pressure to
put long-term sustainability ahead of short-term economic gains. Decisions may result
from this, which could have a short-term positive economic impact but long-term
negative impacts on the environment and society. A mentality change and an emphasis
on long-term planning and investment are required to overcome this obstacle.

o Slowing down the population growth rate by some policies or discipline.

o Investing in agriculture and help to cultivate and preserve it rather than turn it into
commercial lands and subdivision.

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?

➢ There are many ways in which poverty can result in environmental deterioration. First, it is
common for the poor to lack access to information and tools that would enable them to use
natural resources more sustainably and effectively. Second, people can be compelled to
 overuse and deplete natural resources in order to survive right away. Poor farmers, for instance,
might engage in slash-and-burn farming, which can result in soil erosion and deforestation.
Similar to this, low-income groups may rely heavily on wood for heating, which would result in
deforestation and a loss of biodiversity. The poor should have access to education, technology,
and other resources that support sustainable practices and alternative livelihoods in order to
avoid falling into this trap. We should all make investments to preserve our lands. Make it
productive enough to provide resources for everyone by cultivating it. revitalize it and make it
grow. The environment may genuinely provide in abundance for everyone if it is properly cared
for.

3. Why are children more susceptible than adults to health risks posed by their environment?

➢ Children's bodies are not identical to those of adults; they are not miniature versions of adults.
A child's body might not be able to break down and get rid of hazardous toxins that enter their
body, whereas an adult's body can easily adjust to certain alterations. Children are always
developing, more susceptible to hunger and infectious diseases. In proportion to their weight,
they breathe more air, eat more, and drink more water than adults do. Adults have more mature
brains and can handle environmental risk. In proportion to their body weight, children are
exposed to more pollutants, and because they are younger, they may experience long-term
repercussions from early exposure.

4. In what ways can developed nations best contribute to the alleviation of global and domestic
environmental problems? Be specific.

➢ Developed nations may use their technologies to assist solve internal and international
environmental issues. They have more cutting-edge technologies. Singapore, for instance, has
a technique that transforms waste or junk into barricades. There is additional technology that
could recycle waste into usable items like tools. Developed nations have the means and know-
how to fight pollution. However, some affluent countries have greater environmental difficulties
than others. These countries may help by enforcing internal discipline, reducing potential
pollution, investing in technologies to address these issues, and refraining from destroying the
environment in order to grow their economies.