Mentor’s Comment: The phrase “Ecology is the permanent economy” means much more than just a catchy line. It reminds us of a basic truth: human well-being depends on the health of nature. We cannot grow our economy without using natural resources, and we cannot keep our economy stable without protecting them. Today, as we face big problems like climate change and loss of wildlife, we need to seriously think about whether we truly understand and follow this idea.

Today’s editorial discusses the idea that “Ecology is the permanent economy”. This topic is useful for GS Paper III in the UPSC Mains Exam, especially for questions related to the economy and environment.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Understanding the idea that “Ecology is the permanent economy” will help us see that a healthy environment is essential for our survival, a strong economy, and protection against climate change.

What does the phrase “Ecology is the permanent economy” signify in relation to human prosperity and ecological health?

• Foundation of Human Survival and Economy: Ecology provides essential resources like air, water, food, and fertile soil — the base of all economic activity. Eg: Agriculture depends on healthy soil, pollinators, and water cycles. Degraded ecosystems lead to crop failures and food insecurity.
• Long-term Economic Stability Requires Ecological Balance: Sustainable use of natural resources ensures continued economic benefits without exhausting the environment. Eg: Overfishing depletes fish stocks, harming both marine biodiversity and the fishing industry. Conservation efforts like fishing quotas help restore balance and maintain livelihoods.
• Ecological Health Mitigates Climate and Disaster Risks: Ecosystems act as buffers against natural disasters and climate change impacts, protecting both lives and infrastructure. Eg: Mangroves protect coastal areas from storms and floods. Their destruction increases disaster vulnerability and economic loss.

How has human evolution led to a disconnection from nature?

• Shift from Nomadic to Settled Life: Early humans lived in close contact with nature, relying on it for daily survival. With agriculture and settlements, dependency became indirect. Eg: Nomads hunted and gathered in forests, while modern societies buy packaged food, unaware of its natural source.
• Urbanisation and Infrastructure Development: Rapid urban growth has replaced natural landscapes with concrete, isolating people from natural surroundings. Eg: Children growing up in cities often have limited exposure to forests, rivers, or wildlife.
• Technological Advancements: Machines, internet, and artificial environments have reduced daily interaction with the natural world. Eg: Air conditioning replaces the need to adapt to seasons; virtual reality replaces outdoor experiences.
• Consumerism and Resource Overuse: The pursuit of material comfort leads to overexploitation of nature without regard for ecological balance. Eg: Excessive mining or deforestation for products like electronics or furniture disrupts ecosystems.
• Loss of Traditional Knowledge and Practices: Indigenous ecological wisdom is being lost as modern lifestyles dominate, weakening the cultural connection to nature. Eg: Practices like rainwater harvesting or sacred groves are being forgotten in many regions.

What impact has this had on biodiversity?

• Habitat Destruction: Expansion of urban areas, agriculture, and infrastructure has led to large-scale loss of natural habitats. Eg: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has destroyed habitats for countless species, pushing many toward extinction.
• Species Extinction: Disruption of ecosystems and overexploitation of species has accelerated extinction rates. Eg: The dodo bird and the western black rhinoceros became extinct due to hunting and habitat loss.
• Invasive Species Introduction: Human activities have introduced non-native species that outcompete or prey on native species. Eg: Introduction of Nile perch in Lake Victoria led to the decline of hundreds of native fish species.
• Pollution and Climate Change: Industrial waste, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions degrade ecosystems and affect species survival. Eg: Coral bleaching caused by ocean warming has severely damaged coral reef biodiversity.
• Disruption of Natural Cycles: Unsustainable development alters food chains, migration patterns, and breeding cycles. Eg: Light pollution in cities affects nocturnal species like sea turtles, which rely on natural darkness for nesting.

Why is balancing environmental protection and economic development crucial for long-term sustainability?

• Ensures Resource Availability for Future Generations: Overexploitation today can lead to resource depletion, affecting future livelihoods. Eg: Sustainable forestry in countries like Sweden ensures timber is harvested without degrading forests.
• Prevents Environmental Degradation: Economic development without ecological concern leads to pollution, soil erosion, and climate change. Eg: Unchecked industrialisation along the Ganga River caused severe water pollution, harming both people and biodiversity.
• Supports Climate Resilience: Ecosystem protection helps buffer against climate impacts like floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Eg: Mangrove conservation in the Sundarbans protects coastal areas from cyclones and sea-level rise.
• Boosts Green Economic Opportunities: Investing in renewables and green technology creates jobs while reducing emissions. Eg: India’s solar energy mission has generated employment and reduced dependency on fossil fuels.
• Promotes Health and Well-being: A clean environment ensures access to clean air, water, and food, essential for human health. Eg: Delhi’s vehicular emission controls aim to reduce air pollution, improving public health outcomes.

What paradox arises from relying on nature-based solutions while continuing to exploit natural resources?

• Dual Dependence Creates Contradiction: We expect ecosystems to mitigate climate change while simultaneously degrading them through deforestation and pollution. Eg: Planting trees for carbon offset while clearing rainforests for agriculture defeats the purpose.
• Undermines Long-Term Effectiveness: Continuous exploitation weakens the very systems relied upon for climate resilience and biodiversity restoration. Eg: Wetlands restoration projects fail when nearby urban expansion continues to encroach on wetland areas.
• Ecological Imbalance Intensifies: The more we harm natural systems, the less capable they become in acting as buffers against environmental crises. Eg: Overfishing damages marine ecosystems, reducing their ability to regulate carbon and support livelihoods.

What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

Way forward: 

• Integrate Ecology into Economic Planning: Make environmental sustainability a core part of all development policies to ensure long-term resource security and resilience.
• Promote Community-Led Conservation: Empower local communities with incentives and rights to manage natural resources, ensuring inclusive and effective environmental protection.

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