PSIR – 20 Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
Model Answer 18
“The tension between environmental sustainability and economic development defines contemporary political theory.” Discuss. (20 Marks)
🔹 Introduction
Modern political theory increasingly grapples with the conflict between economic growth and environmental sustainability. While development aims at prosperity and poverty reduction, environmentalism emphasizes ecological balance and intergenerational justice.
🔹 The Development Paradigm
- Industrialization and economic growth.
- Capital accumulation.
- Modernization and infrastructure expansion.
- Poverty alleviation through growth.
Development has historically been measured through GDP and productivity.
🔹 Environmentalism
- Ecological sustainability.
- Conservation of natural resources.
- Climate justice.
- Rights of future generations.
Environmental thinkers argue that unlimited growth is ecologically unsustainable.
🔹 Core Tensions
- Short-term growth vs long-term sustainability.
- Resource exploitation vs conservation.
- Global North vs Global South responsibility debate.
- Anthropocentrism vs ecocentrism.
🔹 Political Theoretical Responses
- Sustainable Development model.
- Green political theory.
- Ecological democracy.
- Degrowth movement.
🔹 Critical Evaluation
While economic development reduces poverty, unchecked industrialization accelerates environmental degradation. Sustainable development attempts reconciliation, but implementation remains uneven and politically contested.
🔹 Conclusion
The development–environment tension is central to contemporary political thought. The future of democratic governance depends on balancing growth with ecological responsibility.
Shaktimatha Learning – Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer
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