IB DP Economics - Unit 4 - Relationship between sustainability and poverty-Study Notes - New Syllabus

Relationship Between Sustainability and Poverty (HL Only)

Sustainability and poverty are closely connected because environmental, economic, and social conditions strongly affect living standards and long-term development. Poverty can make sustainable development more difficult, while environmental degradation and unsustainable economic activity can worsen poverty.

Sustainable development aims to improve living standards and reduce poverty without damaging the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Poverty and sustainability are interdependent: unsustainable development may increase poverty, while poverty may worsen environmental degradation.

Key Point:

• Poverty may force people to overuse natural resources.
• Environmental damage may reduce living standards and increase poverty.
• Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
• Reducing poverty is important for achieving sustainability.

How Poverty Affects Sustainability

Overuse of Natural Resources

People living in poverty may depend heavily on natural resources for survival.

• Forests may be cut down for fuel or farming.
• Overfishing and soil depletion may occur.
• Unsustainable farming methods may damage land quality.

Poverty may therefore contribute to environmental degradation.

Lack of Access to Clean Technology

Poor households and developing countries may lack access to environmentally sustainable technologies.

• Dependence on polluting fuels such as coal or wood may increase.
• Limited investment in renewable energy and infrastructure.
• Waste management and sanitation systems may be inadequate.

This may increase pollution and environmental damage.

Population Growth and Resource Pressure

Many low-income countries experience rapid population growth.

• Demand for food, water, and energy increases.
• Pressure on land and natural resources grows.
• Environmental sustainability becomes harder to achieve.

Resource scarcity may worsen poverty further.

How Unsustainability Affects Poverty

Environmental Degradation Reduces Living Standards

Environmental damage can reduce access to essential resources such as clean water, fertile land, and food.

• Agricultural productivity may decrease.
• Food insecurity may increase.
• Health problems related to pollution may rise.

Poor households are often most vulnerable to environmental damage.

Climate Change and Poverty

Climate change creates serious risks for low-income populations.

• Droughts and floods may destroy crops and homes.
• Extreme weather may reduce incomes and employment.
• Rising food prices may worsen poverty.

Developing countries often have fewer resources to adapt to climate change.

Unequal Access to Resources

Unsustainable economic growth may increase inequality.

• Benefits of growth may not be shared equally.
• Poor communities may face pollution and environmental risks.
• Limited access to education and healthcare may continue poverty cycles.

Social sustainability therefore becomes more difficult to achieve.

Role of Sustainable Development in Reducing Poverty

Sustainable development aims to improve economic opportunities while protecting the environment.

• Investment in education and healthcare improves human capital.
• Renewable energy and clean technology improve living standards.
• Sustainable agriculture supports long-term food security.
• Inclusive economic growth may reduce inequality and poverty.

Sustainable policies therefore help support long-term poverty reduction.

Policies That Promote Sustainability and Reduce Poverty

• Investment in renewable energy.
• Access to clean water and sanitation.
• Sustainable farming and forestry practices.
• Education and healthcare programs.
• Environmental regulations and climate policies.
• International aid and development programs.

Governments and international organizations play important roles in promoting sustainable development.

Summary of the Relationship Between Sustainability and Poverty:

Evaluation

• Poverty reduction and sustainability are closely connected goals.
• Environmental protection may involve short-term economic costs but long-term benefits.
• Developing countries may face greater challenges due to limited resources and rapid population growth.
• International cooperation is important for achieving both sustainability and poverty reduction.