Environmental economics ; Indian perspective / edited by R.N. Bhattachaya

Some people believe that economic forces are at the root of environmental degradation. They have a point. Developers convert and deface wetlands; timber companies denude the forest; fishermen over-harvest lakes and oceans; industries and automobiles pollute the water and the air. The story goes on.

Economic activity affects the environment in diverse ways. In producing and consuming goods and services, societies draw materials and energy from the environment, adversely affecting the diversity of flora and fauna inhabiting both land and water. Some of these modifications of our natural environment are intentional, such as those achieved through processes of agriculture, urbanization and the development of social infrastructure, such as roads, factories, dams and power plants. Other environmental impacts are incidental and most often unintentional by-products of economic activity. This includes discharge of waste from industry and domestic living and spill-over effects of urbanization and population growth.