Assess the view that economic development is not possible without causing environmental degradation

Overall, I think that it is mostly large-scale economic development that is not possible without causing at least some environmental degradation. This is because for a country to develop, resources must be utilised and space must be made for construction. An example of this is the 3 Gorges dam in China that cost over $25 billion to construct. Although it may have been financially beneficial, lots of land was lost that meant huge damage to ecosystems. As well as this, pollution downstream will now occur as flooded mines and factories will pollute the water supply. Another good example to argue this point is the Industrial Revolution. This marked a major turning point in the Earths ecology as the Industrial Revolution dramatically changed every aspect of human life. Its human impact on natural resources, public health, energy usage and sanitation was not realised until the early 1960s, nearly 200 years after it began. While the Industrial Revolution meant that more goods could be produced for human consumption, it also meant that more pollution would be emitted into the sky and more natural resources would have to be exploited in the production process. Industrialisation has resulted in pollution of water, air and soil. Harmful products such as nuclear waste have increased dramatically and these problems pose significant threats to both the environment and to human life. Moreover, rural-urban migration (as a result of better job opportunities etc) has resulted in larger amounts of waste being dumped. In addition, agriculture was also affected by industrialisation. For example, more advanced machines and techniques for farming have become available and these new methods cause the soil to degenerate and increase the amount of land used in farming damaging even more ecosystems. On the other hand, there are many other schemes that promote economic development without having negative environmental impacts. However, these tend to be small-scale aid projects as they usually help improve peoples quality of life and standard of living more directly. For example, Practical Action is an organisation that works with some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities, helping them improve their standard of living and quality of life. For example, in Nepal, a foot-driven treadle pump has been built to help people collect water quicker and easier. As well as this, because most of the parts were manufactured locally, it also brought much needed income into the local economy.