Environment or economy: Which is more urgent?
Some experts say that climate change is the most important issue. However others disagree, arguing that without economic growth, humanity would be harmed. Where do you stand?
Which is a more important issue right now, the environment or the economy?
Some experts argue that climate change is the greatest threat the world has ever faced, causing more plants and animals to be at risk of extinction.
These experts say that when countries focus too much on the economy, they use too many resources and it makes things worse for the environment.
This ideology is known as degrowth where rich countries produce and consume less to help the planet. They argue that countries should be measured by things like happiness and health, not by how much stuff it makes and sells. (Kind of like Bhutan, where growth is measured in terms of happiness)
Promoters of degrowth say taking care of the climate will result in less natural disasters, less homes destroyed, and in turn, will reduce poverty.
But others disagree - arguing that economic growth improves people’s lives by creating jobs and reducing hunger and poverty. They say without a growing economy, human progress would slow and it would harm humanity
A Gallup poll last year found 52% of Americans prioritize the environment, while 43% prioritize economic growth. The vote falls in party lines, with 78% of Democrats choosing environment, compared to only 20% of Republicans. But it didn’t used to be this way.
Up until the 1990’s both parties had similar views - typically both favoring the environment
Where do you stand? Weigh in on Ponderly (Download the app here).
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