The Relationship Between Sustainability & Poverty (DP IB Economics)

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Steve Vorster

Written by: Steve Vorster

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

The Relationship Between Sustainability & Poverty

  • The interdependent relationship between sustainability and poverty emphasises the importance of integrated approaches to address both environmental and social challenges  

ibdp-economics---the-link-between-sutainability-and-poverty

Poverty and sustainability are not separate concepts but have an interdependent relationship 

  • By pursuing sustainable development, societies can break the poverty cycle, protect the environment, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future 

  • The interdependent relationship between sustainability and poverty in economics can be understood as follows 

An Explanation of the Interdependent Relationship Between Poverty & Sustainability


The Link


Explanation

Poverty as a barrier to sustainability

  • When people are trapped in poverty, they may resort to unsustainable practices, such as overexploitation of natural resources to meet their immediate needs

  • E.g. Illegal deforestation in Brazil so as to allow greater stock farming

Unsustainable practices exacerbate poverty

  • Unsustainable economic activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and overfishing deplete natural resources, degrade ecosystems, and disrupt livelihoods that depend on them

  • Impoverished communities bear the brunt of the negative consequences, leading to increased vulnerability and deepening poverty levels

Sustainable development is a pathway out of poverty

  • By integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations, sustainable development aims to address poverty alleviation alongside environmental conservation and social equity

  • It promotes inclusive growth, access to education and healthcare, and the development of sustainable livelihoods, contributing to poverty reduction

Environmental sustainability and poverty reduction as complementary goals

  • Protecting and restoring ecosystems, managing natural resources sustainably, and mitigating climate change can create opportunities for poverty reduction

  • E.g. Investments in renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture can generate income, create jobs, and enhance the well-being of communities living in poverty 

Long-term economic growth through sustainable practices

  • Embracing sustainability can lead to long-term growth by protecting natural resources and promoting innovation

  • Sustainable business practices, responsible consumption and green technologies can drive economic growth while reducing environmental impacts

  • By adopting sustainable practices, societies can secure their future well-being, reduce poverty, and ensure the availability of resources for future generations

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Steve Vorster

Author: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.

Jenna Quinn

Author: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Head of New Subjects

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.