Should Governments Prioritise Environmental Protection Over Economic Growth?

Stance

For — governments should prioritise environmental protection.

Definitions

• Prioritise = rank as the primary obligation when conflicts arise, even if trade-offs are required.
• Environmental protection = policies safeguarding ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate stability (emissions reduction, conservation laws, sustainable resource use).
• Economic growth = increase in GDP or aggregate output, often measured quarterly/annually, regardless of distribution or sustainability.
• Over = indicates precedence — when protection and growth conflict, protection should prevail.

Assumptions under challenge