Tema: Economics and ecology

Before the industrial revolution, economic activities did not impact negatively on the
environment. This was because the rate of exploitation of natural resources was very low.
However, during and after the industrial revolution, machines that could produce items in mass
came into use due to the discovery of internal combustion engines. Discovery of oil also proved
very effective in shaping the next generation of machines that were more powerful and efficient
in carrying out economic activities. As a result, production levels that once seemed unachievable
were easily attained, which in turn ensured huge economic gains.

Recently, negative impacts on the ecology that have been brought about by industrialization have
gotten the attention of environmentalists. Destruction of animal habitats and climate change are
just but some of the major issues they are dealing with. As population increases, need for
economic sustainability rises. This leads to degradation of the environment through unchecked
clearing of forests for farming, road construction and mining. These activities leave the land bare
and unusable afterwards. Many animals die and rare plants are destroyed, some to the point of
extinction. The rich soils are good for agriculture while trees offer raw materials for furniture
and paper making. Industries are established which offer employment to people followed by the
development of towns. While all these activities ensure development, economic growth and food
sustainability, pollution becomes a threat to life as all ecosystems are affected. Lack of effective
rules that govern how resources are exploited worsens the situation.

On the other hand, ecological sustainability efforts lead to the halting of economic ventures that
generate finances aimed at ensuring economic sustainability and growth. Environmentalists
protests and obtain court orders that freeze constructions of key structures meant for the
generation of money for a stable economy. This leads to financial losses for the owners of such
projects. Employees become jobless which consequently leads to high unemployment rates
thereby impacting on the growth of the economy negatively.

In conclusion, economic and ecological stability are undeniably incompatible. It becomes hard to
prioritize any of them individually as they both play critical roles in ensuring the survival of
mankind. With that knowledge in mind, there is need for formulation of laws that govern how
resources are utilized as well as how far economic ventures can be carried out all over the world.
In doing so, the environment will have been conserved while ensuring viable economic growth. .