Question

Please provide a detailed answer with justifications to the following question:

Given the large number and large population of emerging countries, many economists and environmentalists are genuinely concerned about the depletion of resources, child labor practices, and political tensions within emerging countries. Do you think we should be worried? if so why; if no, why not?

Answer 1

I think we need to be worried. Firstly, resource depletion is a very serious problem. With economic growth, developing countries would need increasingly more energy. Over-dependence on fossil fuels or coal-based energy will not be sustainable in the future as well as this will be damaging to the environment. Therefore, there should be alternative sources of clean energy to meet the energy needs of the future. Secondly, child labor is rampant in many developing countries. Economic growth would require more workers, which might exacerbate the child labor problem. There should sufficient safety nets and regulations to protect child labors from exploitations. Thirdly, no country can be civilized enough without a stable and working political system. This is a problem in many developing countries because of corruption, nepotism, and lack of institutions. Therefore, there should be adequate institutions and systems to build a stable and working political system.