Question

Principles of Economics: “Because the environment is fragile and natural resources are finite, ultimately economic growth must come to an end.”

Please reply with reference and citation (250 words) no plagiarism please.

Answer 1

Economic growth means an increase in real (real) output. Therefore we are likely to see environmental costs imposed with increased output and consumption. The environmental effect of economic development involves increased use of non-renewable energy, higher emissions rates, global warming and possible habitat loss.

Not all forms of economic growth do harm the environment, however. With real incomes increasing, individuals are more able to devote resources to protecting the environment and reducing the negative effects of pollution. Economic growth due to improved technology can also allow for higher output with less pollution.

Increased fossil fuel use will lead to immediate problems such as poor soot and air quality. Clean Air Acts have mitigated some of the worst problems of burning fossil fuels limiting coal burning in city centres. Showing that a certain type of pollution can be consistent with reducing economic growth.
While smogs have been a very clear and obvious danger, the effects of increased CO2 emissions are less immediately apparent and thus there is less incentive for policymakers to tackle them. The accumulation of CO2 emissions has contributed to global warming and more volatile weather

A biodiversity loss. Economic development leads to the depletion of wealth and a reduction of biodiversity. That could damage the economy's future 'carrying capacity of ecological systems.' Though the scale of this expense is unknown as the value of missing genetic maps can never be known.
Toxins in the long term. Economic growth creates long-term waste and toxins, with unknown effects. Economic growth, for example, has led to increased use of plastics, which do not degrade when disposed of. So in the seas and environment there is an ever-increasing stock of plastic – both unsightly but also damaging to wildlife.

Reference- New York Times