Economic Growth vs Environmental Protection — Band 7 Model Answer

The tension between economic development and environmental sustainability is particularly acuteExaminer noteAdjective "acute" precisely describes the intensity of a dilemma — Band 7 LR. in developing nations, where poverty alleviation is an urgent moral imperative. While I understand the argument for prioritising growth, I disagree that this requires sacrificing environmental protection.

Advocates of prioritising growth argue that industrialisation is a necessary stage of developmentExaminer noteReference to modernisation theory — shows background knowledge. Band 7 TA. that wealthier nations have already passed through. In this view, it is inequitable to deny developing countries the same path to prosperity that industrialised nations took, particularly when the latter bear the greatest historical responsibility for climate changeExaminer notePrecise attribution of responsibility — shows ethical nuance. .

This argument, however, overlooks the long-term economic costs of environmental degradation.Examiner noteThe word "overlooks" signals a precise limitation in the opposing argument — Band 7 LR. Deforestation reduces agricultural productivity; air pollution drives healthcare costs and reduces workforce productivity; coastal degradation destroys fishing industries. Developing countries, often the most geographically vulnerable to climate changeExaminer notePrecise compound adjective. , stand to lose the most from environmental breakdown.

Furthermore, technological advances have made clean energy increasingly cost-competitive, meaning the historical trade-off between growth and sustainability is less stark than it once appearedExaminer noteComparative phrase showing change over time — appropriate hedging. . With the right international support, developing economies can pursue growth trajectories that do not repeat the environmental errors of industrialisation.