Chapter 6 · Topic 6.2 · Prelims + Mains2 of 3
Environment & Sustainability: Development vs environment
Key points
- Development vs environment.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Old view | Better view |
|---|---|
| grow now, clean later | grow clean from the start |
| nature as resource | nature as capital and life |
| projects vs people | people's participation |
| one-size targets | fair, differentiated action. |
Development vs environment
The core debate: must development harm the environment? Essays should reject the false choice. Green growth, renewable energy, efficient cities, circular economy and nature-based solutions (mangroves against storms, wetlands against floods) show both can go together.
Balanced argument: poor countries need energy and infrastructure; rich countries emitted more historically; so climate action must be fair. But ignoring the environment costs development itself: floods, heatwaves, crop loss and health damage reverse gains.
| Old view | Better view |
|---|---|
| grow now, clean later | grow clean from the start |
| nature as resource | nature as capital and life |
| projects vs people | people’s participation |
| one-size targets | fair, differentiated action |
Teaching table.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Balanced argument: poor countries need energy and infrastructure; rich countries emitted more historically; so climate action must be fair.
- Green growth, renewable energy, efficient cities, circular economy and nature-based solutions (mangroves against storms, wetlands against floods) show both can go together.
- But ignoring the environment costs development itself: floods, heatwaves, crop loss and health damage reverse gains.
- Likely next angle: Fair action
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Environment & Sustainability with one recent example.
Flashcards (2)
Development vs environment?
False choice; grow clean.
Nature-based solution example?
Mangroves against storms.
Next topic · 6.3 →Environment & Sustainability: Writing a strong environment essaySyllabus: Essay · Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will…