Analysis Of The Environmental Kuznets Curve Theory

The fundamental flaw of the environmental Kuznets’ curve theory (EKCT) lies in its compartmentalization of environmental impacts, which serve as its basis for establishing a direct relationship with per capita income, the indicator considered for economic development. While it is true that environmental impacts may be spliced and analyzed empirically, actual ecological processes belong to a web of inter-relationships that current science is still trying to fully understand. It is dangerous and irresponsible to assume or suggest that an assortment of piecemeal positive trends can lead to a conclusion that environmental quality improves with economic growth. Adhering to the EKCT is equivalent to accepting that ecological models follow the same trajectory. This means that the same kind of pollution that occurs in two separate countries will more or less have the same effect. The theory does not exhibit much sensitivity to the variation in the value of ecosystems and species. The reality is that some ecosystems are greater in value, are more fragile, and are more species rich than others.

A study by York and Rosa (2003) points out that EMT has insufficiently addressed four fundamental issues: (1) that the institutional modification done by societies in reaction to environmental problems actually lead to ecological improvements; (2) that the late stages of modernizing processes lead to the ecological transformation of production and consumption at relatively high frequency; (3) that industries and firms that reduce their direct impact on the environment are not contributing to the expansion of negative impacts by other industries or firms, and; (4) that as economies become more resource efficient, the pace of increase in their...

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...restation, rising sea levels and species extinction. It is imperative to look at both sides, in not all sides, of the story and its real effects at the level of the individual if a real understanding of issues is to be developed.

Humans belong to a class of species that can develop technology to support the expanded pyramid of needs of its population. It can grow its own food, devise mechanisms to generate potable water, and even prolong life with the aid of machines and chemicals. Such intelligence and giftedness can also be used to understand that like all the other species, we are bound by the finiteness of earth’s resources and that our lives and decisions can never be extricated from the basic ecological web of life.

Economic globalization and its accompanying consumerism mantra which paves the way for over consumption is more central to the issue on hand.