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A Country to be both Economically Successful and have a Clean Environment - Task 2 Band 9 Essay

Updated: Jul 11

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:


Some people say that it is possible for a country to be both economically successful and have a clean environment. Others disagree.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.


Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.


You should write at least 250 words.


Task 2 Band 9 Essay Sample (A country to be both economically successful and have a clean environment...)

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Sample Essay 1

The intricate balance between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability continues to spark global debate. Critics argue that industrial expansion often leads to environmental harm, exemplified by increased pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. In contrast, examples from countries like Germany and Sweden show that strategic policies can align economic growth with environmental preservation. This essay will explore these viewpoints, asserting that with thoughtful governance, economic progress can indeed complement environmental health.


Critics of economic growth frequently point out the environmental degradation that can accompany unchecked industrialization. For instance, a heavy reliance on fossil fuels for energy has escalated carbon emissions, contributing to global warming and climate change. Moreover, the rapid expansion of industrial activities often leads to significant waste and pollution. This is particularly evident in regions where industrial growth outpaces the establishment of environmental regulations, emphasizing the challenges that arise when economic priorities overshadow environmental concerns. Such examples clearly demonstrate the potential environmental costs associated with economic development when it is not managed with environmental considerations in mind.


Conversely, examples from nations like Germany and Sweden illustrate that economic growth can coexist with environmental sustainability. Germany’s Energiewende, or "energy transition," showcases how government-led initiatives can steer economic activities towards sustainable practices. By heavily investing in renewable energy, Germany has not only diminished its carbon footprint but also strengthened its economy by becoming a leader in green technology. Similarly, Sweden’s robust carbon tax policy has effectively reduced carbon emissions while preserving economic stability. These examples suggest that with thoughtful legislation and a strong commitment to sustainability, economic advancement can indeed support and enhance environmental health, demonstrating a harmonious balance between economic and environmental objectives.


In conclusion, while economic expansion can lead to environmental issues such as increased emissions and waste, nations like Germany and Sweden demonstrate that strategic environmental policies can harmonize economic growth with ecological sustainability. Therefore, economic prosperity and environmental health are not mutually exclusive when governed wisely.


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Sample Essay 2

The debate on whether a country can simultaneously achieve economic success and maintain a clean environment is polarized. Proponents of sustainable development argue for harmonious coexistence, while skeptics cite historical conflicts between economic growth and environmental health. This essay will explore both perspectives, ultimately advocating that a balanced approach can enable both economic prosperity and environmental preservation.


Those who believe in the feasibility of a country being both economically successful and environmentally sound often cite the concept of sustainable development. They argue that through innovative technologies and renewable energy sources, economic growth does not have to be synonymous with environmental degradation. For instance, countries like Denmark have made significant strides in wind energy, which contributes to their economy while reducing carbon emissions. This approach advocates for a balance where economic activities are conducted with a long-term vision for environmental health, suggesting that the two are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.


Conversely, others argue that economic growth inherently leads to environmental damage. This view is grounded in historical precedents where industrialization and economic development have often led to air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Critics point to countries where rapid economic growth has been achieved at the expense of environmental health, such as China, where industrial expansion has led to significant pollution challenges. They contend that economic activities, especially those reliant on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources, are naturally at odds with environmental conservation.


In my opinion, while the challenges are significant, it is possible for a country to be both economically successful and maintain a clean environment. The key lies in embracing sustainable development and green technologies. This approach requires a paradigm shift in how we perceive economic growth, prioritizing long-term environmental health alongside short-term economic gains. By investing in renewable energy, enforcing strict environmental regulations, and encouraging sustainable practices, a balance can be achieved.


In conclusion, the prospect of a country being both economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable is not a utopian dream but a viable reality. It demands a commitment to innovative solutions and a redefinition of what constitutes true economic success.


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Sample Essay 3

There have been debates about whether countries can achieve economic success while maintaining a clean environment. Since industrial revolution, numerous countries had sacrificed the environment to pursue rapid economic growth; however, nowadays, more countries are successfully strengthening their economy and keeping the environment unpolluted. Hence, this essay believes that countries can have both economic success and environmental protection at tandem.


Overly obsession with economic growth could lead to environmental degradation. This is because modern manufacturing technology involves massive machineries and a huge volume of production that release toxic wastes. To be more specific, national economic booming engines, such as giant car and chemical industries, need a large volume of energy to keep the machines running. They burn a massive amount of fossil fuel, such as coals and oil, which could release a huge amount of harmful gas into the air. For example, over the last 30 years, even though Beijing has been incredibly successful in terms of economic growth, its industry releases have been bombarding the waste managing drainage system, and the pollutant gas is creating a smog layer in its skyline.


However, multiple developed countries are actively adopting ecological modes to develop their economies. New and clean resources such as wind, solar and nuclear energy have been employed in factories to reduce pollution. Scientists have been exploring how to use these types of technologies to promote energy efficiency, and to ensure the environment is not harmed. For instance, many West European countries such as France and the UK are developing nuclear energy to generate electricity for factories and households. As a result, these countries are not only enjoying an economic boom, but also maintaining a sustainable development.


In conclusion, economic growth could lead to pollution and damage the environment, but modern technology has been constantly seeking new energy to promote efficiency and decrease pollution. Therefore, it is viable for countries to develop their economy and protect the environment simultaneously.



Sample Essay 4

The relationship between economic growth and the environment has become a long- lasting debate. Although some believe that they cannot exist together, I would argue that they are indeed positively related.


On the one hand, opponents of the question co-existence of a developed economy and a healthy biosphere point to the fact of global warming that we have been experiencing today. They say, in order to achieve an economic progression, we need to rely heavily on transportation systems. While more vehicles carry goods to transfer nationwide boosting its economy, they also produce higher level of carbon emissions – an essential element for raising the global temperature. Moreover, Industrial waste is also believed by some to be act as a pollutant. They contend that larger factories are hailed as an indicator of powerful economy, meaning that excessive waste produced by them is continuously damaging our Earth. However, this could easily be mitigated by thoughtful disposal and a better enforcement of laws by the authorities.


Conversely, I side with those who believe that a country can not only be economically successful but also environment friendly. First off, economically advanced countries tend to budget more to protect the environment. This is to say if national reserve is higher enough to provide essentials such as health or education, government is more likely to spend further on cleaner air or other environmental issues. This evidence can be clearly seen in Canada. Additionally, the more countries become economically stable, the more they can spend on mass education, leading them to have a better environmental awareness. If we consider India, we can see people are indiscriminately disposing litters in the streets which is a rare incident in a developed country like Australia.


To sum up, while some criticize widespread traffic and waste materials of an advanced nation can damage the environment, it could possibly be overcome by stricter regulations. Therefore, I believe that having extra funds and educated citizens of developed countries can rather protect our surroundings.



Sample Essay 5

It is undeniable that humans have an inextricable relationship with the environment. While many believe that it is impossible to protect the environment if countries want to develop their economies, others argue that keeping the environment clean in tandem with having a wealthy country are not too difficult. This essay is going to examine the reasons behind these views before revealing my personal opinion.


On the one hand, it is understandable why some subscribe to the view that governments could not focus on both economic development and the environment at the same time. As more and more industrial parks and factory plants are helping boost up countries’ economies, toxic fumes are almost unavoidable, as they are released from these places into the air. Beijing is a case in point. The city with a large number of factories has been reported with a hazardous level of air pollution in many years that could not be solved by the government.


On the other hands, I believe that the aforementioned drawbacks are not intractable, and governments can still protect the environment when they pay attention to develop the economy. To begin with, severe punishments must be administered on individuals or organizations that deliberately harm the environment. For instance, governments must fine factories that emit excessive toxic fume, thereby keeping the environment clean. In addition to this, focusing on the environmental protection, nations should channel into rewarding programs for businesses. This would encourage businesses and other stakeholders to keep the environment clean.


In conclusion, while it is difficult to keep a clean environment along with a substantial economic development, I would contend that it would be unwise to overlook the importance of the environment to human lives. Therefore, governments should take actions to ensure that the environment is protected while they develop their economy.


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