6.4.1 Overview

Economic activity and its effect on the environment: As the nations of the world become increasingly interconnected, economic development continues. Sometimes that development is designed to profit a few people, and sometimes the goal of economic development is prosperity for all. Whether this "progress" involves one huge transnational corporation trying to generate profit for its shareholders or it involves development projects to provide employment and sustainable incomes for the world's poor, the environment is always affected.

A balance between economic development and environmental protection: Whether development projects are led by transnationals trying to generate profit or international agencies trying to improve life in the developing world, they all affect on the environment. If the environmental concerns are ignored, the resulting prosperity cannot be sustained.

Reflect

We all can have a part in reducing the environmental effect of globalization in our daily lives through supporting businesses with sustainable practices and through voting for the political party that we think has the best plan for protecting the planet for future generations.

What is the balance between economic development to produce prosperity and environmental protection to ensure prosperity for future generations?