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Some people say that economic growth is the only way to end hunger and poverty. While others say that economic growth is damaging the environment so it should be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Economic progress is seen as the fundamental goal for countries all over the world. While there is an argument that economic growth is the gateway to long-term poverty and hunger alleviation, my view is that no economic target can be attained without some sacrifice made for the environment.

There is no denying that economic growth is a powerful tool to reduce the rate of poverty and improve the lives of many poor people around the world. Significant developments in the economy have generated numerous job opportunities for citizens, especially those in lower classes. By providing the unemployed with jobs and incomes, economic growth can lift the underprivileged out of poverty and enhance their quality of life. Such development is of paramount importance for developing and underdeveloped countries in which many of their citizens are living below the poverty line and exposing to long-term undernutrition.

Having said that, it is apparent that the development of the economy inevitably leads to environmental degradation. The environment provides natural resources which are essential inputs for production in many sectors, however, it is the production and consumption that trigger severe pollution and loss of Biodiversity. To catch up with more advanced economies, developing and underdeveloped nations have been inclined to apply radical economic development methods rather than sustainable ones, and that is the main culprit behind the poor state of the environment. For example, the forest is being cleared to make way for farms and commercial plantations, resulting in a loss of habitat for millions of species. Additionally, these factories often discharge untreated sewage, which is extremely hazardous, into the land and the river, causing detrimental effects on not only the flora and fauna but also humans.

From the issues outlined above, one can conclude that although economic progress plays an essential part in combating poverty alleviation, it would eventually culminate in threats to the environment, if operated unproperly. I personally think that in the long run, each country should create sustainable economic growth to minimize undesired effects.