Economic Growth and Natural Resources Protection: How Long Can We Have Both?
Author(s)
England, Russell H.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
Collections
Supplementary to:
Permanent Link
Abstract
Since colonial times, Americans have taken
abundant natural resources mostly for granted. Virgin
timber, wildlife, minerals, fertile soils and clean water,
coupled with a free market system, provided the basis for a
vibrant economy during the early years of nationhood. A
vast expanse of undeveloped land and the freedoms
guaranteed by a new system of government provided
apparently endless opportunities. Growth and prosperity
became synonymous in the minds of most Americans, and
it remains so today in spite of vastly different conditions.
Georgia's natural resources face ever-growing pressures
that are directly related to human population density and a
consumption-based society, but government leaders
continue to promote growth as a goal and a measure of
success. It is time for leaders to embrace the sustainability
concept and understand the resource constraints to
unlimited growth.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
1997-03
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings