Economic growth can lead to more cars being driven and more emissions being released into the air.
When there is economic growth, the environmental conditions of a region tend to be constantly in the spotlight. For example, in a growing and developed economy, there tends to be more vehicles on the roads. Whether people are commuting to work or on vacation, an increase in transportation can result in more emissions being released into the air. Economic growth and the environment are also linked to the amount of resources that a region is capable of allocating to the development of clean energies, which do not pollute the air.
During a period of economic growth, the standard of living of families and individuals is likely to improve.
A booming economy is one in which employment statistics are generally positive. Companies tend to be more profitable, which creates greater opportunities for employees. Under these conditions, more people generally commute to work. Economic growth and the environment are linked because of the potential for more pollutants to be released from the trains, cars, and buses that transport people to their workplaces. While a growing economy has many benefits, it also underscores the effect that increased transportation can have on environmental factors.
The stronger economic conditions are, the more likely people are to choose to go on vacation. In summer, there are usually more cars on the roads than usual. Consumers are more likely to invest in cars that do not rely solely on fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, when finances are intact. Economic growth and the environment are associated because the availability of vehicles powered by alternative fuels, such as ethanol, becomes relevant for those who can buy new cars.
Clean energy, which uses renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, continues to be integrated into electricity generation around the world. However, for alternative energy sources to become part of the mainstream, financial support from federal agencies is often required. Private sector investments also strengthen the sector’s position in power generation. In this sense, economic growth and the environment are linked by the dependence of clean energy sources on the financial power of third parties. The more money devoted to clean energy, the greater the chance that a regional environment will benefit from fewer pollutants.
During a period of economic growth, the standard of living of individuals and families is likely to improve. The more engaged people are in society, the more likely they are to learn about the benefits of a clean environment. It can increase awareness of economic growth and the environment, and the public can become more apt to engage in beneficial activities such as recycling. This could have a positive impact on the supply of available raw materials and also contribute to less waste going to landfill.
On the other hand, a recovery in the economy can also encourage consumers to spend more, leading to more waste going to landfills. Those with more disposable income often use that money to buy more goods. An increase in consumables caused by positive economic growth can also have an adverse effect on the environment, as waste increases along with damage to the environment.