How does environmental and natural resource management relate to the national economy?

• A. It has no impact on economic growth
• B. It supports production but pollution can reduce resource quality and health impacts can affect growth
• C. It only harms economic growth
• D. It solely benefits tourism

Answer: (B)

Managing environmental and natural resources matters for the national economy because it shapes the conditions under which production occurs. When ecosystems, air, water, and soils are protected and used sustainably, production across agriculture, industry, and services can continue smoothly, supporting investment, jobs, and incomes. At the same time, pollution and resource degradation raise costs, reduce resource quality, and harm public health, which can lower productivity and slow economic growth. So environmental and resource management has a dual role: it enables ongoing production and prosperity while guarding against the costs and risks that pollution and poor health impose. This is why the best answer recognizes both the positive influence on production and the negative effects of pollution and health issues on growth. The other options miss this balance by claiming no impact, only negative effects, or benefits limited to tourism.