gcse economics - how we live - sustainability

The development and growth of an economy, without compromising or harming future generations.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT includes

- Recycling
- Taking care of the environment
- Not using up non renewable resources
- Technological progress
- Treating workers fairly, particularly in developing countries.

ECONOMIC BEHAVIOUR WHICH MAY HARM SUSTAINABILITY

• Polluting the environment
• Greenhouse effect
• Child labour exploitation
• Using up natural resources in meeting the huge demands of today’s population
• Exploitation of labour in developing countries

It is important for the Government to take action against any business or economic activity which harms sustainability by creating social / external costs

EXAMPLES OF GOVERNMENT ACTION

• Bans on traffic in certain areas
• Increases on taxes on petrol
• Fines for firms who pollute the environment
• Subsidies to firms who produce in an environmentally friendly way
• A tax has to be paid by firms who dump waste
• Encouragement of public transport
• Minimum working ages in the UK

ACTION

A How might a ban on traffic in an area help sustainability?
B What is meant by a subsidy?

 SMART THINKING

C How might the excessive needs of today’s society harm sustainability?
D What policies have been introduced recently to support sustainability?