Economic Development
Traditionally, local governments did not develop economic development policies that directly addressed environmental concerns, and in fact, many considered environmental protection inimical to economic growth. Economic development policies have traditionally paid attention to the “bottom line,” with a focus on increasing tax revenue and job creation. The primary emphasis was on recruiting big companies, which were believed to be strong economic drivers, and economic incentives heavily reflected this bias.
However, as concerns grew about global warming, carbon emissions and the scarcity and quality of natural resources like water and timber, the limitations of this economic development strategy have become increasingly obvious. Supply-chains that bypass local sources in favor of suppliers from other regions and countries increase the carbon footprint of good and services while simultaneously weakening local small business. The dependence on a few large businesses has also made communities and their tax revenue streams more vulnerable when those businesses close or leave for other locations.
The business sector is also a major consumer of energy, water, and producer of carbon emissions. In addition, some business practices have been bad for local environments including, but not limited to, strip mining, deforestation, and toxic waste disposal.
Classes:
- Economic Development: Environmental Challenges
- Economic Development: Sustainability Principles
- Economic Development: Sustainable Strategies
- Economic Development: Traditional Approaches
- Green Jobs Act of 2007
- Public Spaces: Recreation Centers
- Sidewalks and Walkability
- Urban, Suburban, and Rural Land Interfaces
Featured Class
Economic Development: Sustainability Principles
Sustainability principles associated with economic development
Featured Class
Urban, Suburban, and Rural Land Interfaces
Explains methods for managing the transition of boundaries between urban,…
Featured Class
Economic Development: Environmental Challenges
Environmental challenges associated with economic development
