INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Abstract

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the 1700????s, and spread to the rest of the world, beginning with the United States. The use of machinery and factories led to mass production, which in turn led to the development of numerous environmental hazards. The effects on the environment would only be seen clearly years later.

While the Industrial Revolution was the cause of positive change for the industrial world, there is no question that it has wreaked havoc on the environment. The depletion of natural resources, the carbon emissions, pollution and human health problems that have resulted directly from the Industrial Revolution's accomplishments have only been disastrous for the world environment. These articles identifies the environmental consequences of industrial growth, and provide suggestions against environmental degradation, including the use of clean technologies and environmentally sound production techniques, with special reference to the developing world.