What is more important to you - the economy or the environment?

Question

I asked a population question recently and one idiot insisted we need population growth to keep the economy strong...
obviously he hasnt been to a deforested area, seen agricultural land be consumed to make cities.. seen our land being raped simply so we can have more junk... seen polluted waters or skies (did you know in many places of China they NEVER see the sun?? - our consumerism is to blame)

for me the environment is 100% more important.. the economy wont matter if you cannot live on the planet.. I stand true to my word - I only had 1 kid - I will not contribute to the problem.

Answer 1

Having a decent standard of living is the most important to me, but I know I am making decisions not just for right now, but for the future. For the right now the economy matters most, but the more I care about the future, the more important environmental concerns are. Because I have children, even the distant future matters to me, so I am willing to have less now to preserve the quality of life for them, but not a 100% less. I have " been to a deforested area, seen agricultural land be consumed to make cities". Have you ever not had enough food, or lacked a warm place to sleep.

Answer 2

Well, it's kind of a double edged sword. If the economy falls, then we won't be able to by hybrid cars or other "green products" much less pay the scientists and engineers who create the stuff and do research to see if it's working. But if the environment becomes uninhabitable, it won't matter much now will it? But at the same time The environment is depending on the economy and human effort to survive. No economy = death to the environment. Dead environment = no reason for an economy. We've gotten ourselves in a real bind.

Answer 3

Not to steal a term from Star Wars, but I think there is a sort of symbiotic relationship. In fact, why are some of the most economically depressed countries being environmentally? Destroying rain forests to find a couple ounces of gold. Much of the waste is in search of money.

I think we are forced to respect the need for economic success and progress. For centuries we haven't equally respected the need for the environment. I try to.

Answer 4

I actually was going to say exactly what you said. The environment is more important. Without the environment, the economy does not matter.

I sometimes wonder if things would be easier if we could go back to colonial times.

Answer 5

Well! I don't know why you're even bothering to ask this question. You've obviously already made up your mind.

Did you ever stop and think about how we're going to take care of an upcoming large elderly population if the next generation is substantially smaller? You know, something OTHER THAN euthanasia?

Answer 6

I understand your point however, if the economy collapses and the country becomes a poverty stricken wasteland then whats the point?You see those third world countries?I do not want to live like that either.I think we need to strike a balance to preserve both equally.

Answer 7

I agree. Overpopulation, deforestation, and self-centeredness will not contribute to a better economy. In fact, it could start wars over water and land.

Answer 8

the component is, it somewhat is going to not be one or the different. Many economists and scientists agree that between the suitable the style to enhance our present day financial gadget is with eco-friendly technologies. The financial gadget and the ecosystem can the two advance with help from one yet another.

Answer 9

If we don't have an environment, we won't ever have to worry about an economy because we wouldn't be alive! Every time a tree is cut down, they are cutting down a part of our oxygen supply.