LNAT Practice Test Essay – Should governments prioritize environmental protection over economic growth? Provide reasons for your answer.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2025 and 2026, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

Should governments prioritize environmental protection over economic growth? Provide reasons for your answer.

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Introduction

One of the most pressing issues facing governments worldwide is the relationship between environmental protection and economic growth. With the increasing urgency to address climate change, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion, many argue that governments should prioritize environmental protection over economic growth. This essay will explore the reasons for and against prioritizing environmental protection and discuss the potential for achieving a balance between the two objectives.

Reasons for Prioritizing Environmental Protection

Proponents of prioritizing environmental protection argue that the long-term consequences of environmental degradation far outweigh the short-term gains from economic growth. The effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting agricultural patterns, threaten the stability of societies and economies. By prioritizing environmental protection, governments can invest in sustainable technologies and practices that mitigate these risks and promote long-term economic prosperity.

Another reason for prioritizing environmental protection is the importance of preserving natural resources and ecosystems. Biodiversity provides essential goods and services, such as food, medicine, and climate regulation, that underpin human well-being and economic stability. By prioritizing environmental protection, governments can ensure the sustainable use of resources and protect the natural capital that supports their economies.

Moreover, prioritizing environmental protection can create new economic opportunities. The transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy can spur innovation and create new industries and jobs in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology. By focusing on environmental protection, governments can foster economic growth that is both sustainable and inclusive.

Reasons Against Prioritizing Environmental Protection

Critics of prioritizing environmental protection argue that doing so could hinder economic growth and development, particularly in developing countries. They contend that strict environmental regulations can discourage investment and stifle productivity, leading to job losses and slower economic growth. For many developing countries, economic growth is essential for reducing poverty and improving living standards, and prioritizing environmental protection could impede these efforts.

Additionally, opponents of prioritizing environmental protection argue that technological advancements and market-based solutions can address environmental challenges without the need for government intervention. They believe that innovations in areas such as renewable energy, resource efficiency, and carbon capture can mitigate environmental impacts while still allowing for economic growth. By allowing market forces to drive innovation, governments can achieve both environmental protection and economic growth.

Striking a Balance Between Environmental Protection and Economic Growth

Considering the arguments for and against prioritizing environmental protection, it becomes evident that striking a balance between the two objectives is essential. Governments must recognize the interdependence of environmental protection and economic growth and implement policies that foster sustainable development.

One approach to achieving this balance is to adopt the concept of a “green economy,” which emphasizes the need for economic growth that is socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. This approach encourages governments to invest in green industries, promote resource efficiency, and implement policies that internalize environmental costs, such as carbon pricing and pollution taxes.

Furthermore, governments can pursue sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into economic planning and decision-making processes. This could involve conducting environmental impact assessments for major projects, incorporating natural capital accounting into national accounts, and establishing frameworks for monitoring and reporting on environmental performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for and against prioritizing environmental protection over economic growth, it is clear that a balance between the two objectives is necessary for achieving long-term sustainability and prosperity. By adopting a green economy approach and integrating environmental considerations into economic planning, governments can promote sustainable development that benefits both the environment and the economy. In doing so, they can ensure the well-being of current and future generations while safeguarding the planet’s natural resources and ecosystems.