As the educational level of the workforce rises, labor productivity often rises. Populations cannot continue to grow and consumption levels to rise indefinitely without the likelihood of some day despoiling the natural environment on which present and future generations depend. Instead, the concept of sustainable development recognizes that the process of social and economic development can continue without sacrificing the environment. The effort requires a combination of wise public investment, effective natural resource management, cleaner agricultural and industrial technologies, less pollution, and slower population growth. Better resource management protects the environment and preserves nature's productive capacity.
Stronger economies can afford to invest more in protecting the environment.
Slower population growth can speed economic growth and preserve natural resources.