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Opinion: The Intersection of Environment and Economics

Can we strike a balance between ethical environmental management and economic expansion?
<a href="https://highschool.latimes.com/author/nicholasbalasanian/" target="_self">Nicholas Balasanian</a>

Nicholas Balasanian

July 17, 2024

In the globalized age, the intersection of business and environmental policy is crucial to our collective future. To address complex issues, such as climate change and resource depletion, we need to find ways to balance economic development and sustainability. I believe the question most people have is whether we can have an agreement between responsible ecological stewardship and economic growth?

The response, though multifaceted, depends on whether we can apply economic principles so they work towards positive environmental results. To begin, policies relating to the economy may be used as an effective means for conserving the environment. For example, incentivizing companies to go green through tax credits or subsidies can drive innovation in renewable energy sources and other clean technologies. If governments wish to encourage the creation of greener jobs and strengthen the resilience of their economies, they should align financial rewards with ecological  objectives

However, areas where environmental degradation occurs continues to impact the economy negatively. The depletion of natural resources and climate change each have significant implications for costs within differing economic sectors. Moreover, health care has become a concern due to the rising incidence of pollution-related illnesses while disruptions of agricultural production amid severe weather had sparked concerns for the  primary sector’s livelihood. These impacts underscore the need for proactive measures aimed at protecting the environment from these threats and maintaining economic stability.

Additionally, I think that it is important that we factor long-term thinking into economic decisions by incorporating environmental considerations within them. Investments made towards building infrastructures capable of generating cleaner forms of energy not only reduce levels of greenhouse gasses, but also lessen the chances of oil prices becoming volatile due to changes associated with climatic conditions. Sustainable farming methods ensure food security, while protecting crop failure due to climate change, thus leading to stable prices for staple foods and supporting rural livelihoods which depend mainly on agriculture.

Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that developing any kind of environmental policy necessitates finding a balance between short-term financial advantages, benefits, or sacrifices. The transition towards low carbon economies will initially entail certain expenses, however it will lead to reduced healthcare expenditure through better quality air/water and worldwide leadership in the renewable energy sector. Such forward looking investments protect earth for future generations, but also put countries at vantage points where they can take advantage of emerging opportunities in global markets during this era of rapid transformations.

I firmly believe that the relationship between economics and environmental policy offers a chance for creative thinking and cooperation among different stakeholders. We can pave the way towards sustainable development by utilizing economically rooted incentives and encouraging technological breakthroughs so that no one is left out from benefiting from growth. Using our own hands, let us face these two tasks simultaneously with courage knowing too well that what we do now shall determine tomorrow’s world.

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