Unsustainable livelihoods

Environmentally insensitive employment
Environmentally destructive jobs

Nature

A sustainable livelihood is a job that is meaningful, pays adequately, and does not harm the resource base of the local or national economy. Currently, many nations do not have explicit policies to encourage the creation of this kind of job; moreover, unsustainable livelihoods are usually not officially discouraged.

Incidence

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 1.2 billion people globally depend on unsustainable livelihoods that degrade natural resources, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The World Bank reports that in 2022, nearly 80% of rural households in these areas relied on activities like overfishing, deforestation, or unregulated agriculture, contributing to environmental decline and persistent poverty.
In 2019, Madagascar’s eastern rainforests experienced a surge in illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture, as local communities, lacking alternative income sources, resorted to these practices. This led to significant habitat loss and further threatened endemic species.

Claim

Government assertions that small local enterprises offering sustainable livelihoods cannot compete with large ones that do not are only true because the government subsidizes the large corporations' infrastructure, energy use and debt load, which it will not do for smaller enterprises.

Counter-claim

Unsustainable livelihoods are often overstated as a pressing issue. Many individuals adapt and thrive despite challenging conditions, demonstrating resilience and innovation. The focus on sustainability can distract from immediate economic growth and development. Prioritizing short-term gains and traditional practices can lead to more immediate benefits for communities. Instead of fixating on sustainability, we should embrace the dynamic nature of livelihoods and allow people to find their own paths without unnecessary intervention.