Pollution and the destruction of our natural environment result from the abuse of free resources lit air and water, whose use may lower production costs but increase social costs. Excessive urbanization and congested living quarters increase the probability of heart attacks, suicides, and neurotic and psychotic behavior. Growth polarizes the lowest and the highest income recipients. Not all sectors or regions grow at the same pace, and although the average standard of living is raised, income differentials widen. Increased crime rates and social tensions result.
Growth depletes natural resources.
Deforestation, for example, causes erosion of the soil and mud slides. Oil resources, once extracted from the earth, cannot be replaced and are not available for future generations.