Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability: Sectoral Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Economic development frequently imposes pressure on environmental quality, particularly through activities in the industrial, transportation, and agricultural sectors. This study examines the link between economic growth and environmental sustainability, focusing on sector-specific impacts and strategies for mitigation to promote sustainable development. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), the research collects and synthesizes evidence from academic literature to identify key trends and findings regarding the environmental consequences of economic activities. Results indicate that the industrial sector generates solid, liquid, and gaseous waste, polluting air and water resources, while the transportation sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions due to reliance on fossil fuel vehicles. The agricultural sector, although vital to the economy, leads to soil and water degradation through pesticide and chemical fertilizer use, as well as land conversion. The Environmental Kuznets Curve suggests environmental quality initially worsens during early development stages but can improve with awareness and policy interventions. The study highlights the importance of integrating environmental and economic policies, promoting green technologies, and enhancing public awareness to mitigate environmental pressures and achieve sustainable growth, while also identifying gaps for future research.