Environment versus Economic Progress
The fierce conflicts between conservationists on one side and workers, industrialists, and some politicians on the other arise from a misconception.
Both parties in fact desire the same goal - economic well-being. But the latter and many of the former believe that environmental conservation and economic progress are conflicting aims, between which a balance or compromise must be found.
One party believes that the balance must be weighted heavily in favour of what they believe to be economic growth and development; the other holds that it must swing more towards environmental conservation.
The reality is that environmental conservation and enhancement and economic progress are complementary, not conflicting, goals. The environment is the fount of all resources whose throughput is economic activity. Failure to conserve the environment results in depletion of resources with consequent reduction of economic activity both in quality and quantity with loss of jobs and falling living standards.
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