How does poverty relate to environmental degradation?

Poverty often forces marginalized communities to rely heavily on their immediate environment for survival. This reliance can lead to the overexploitation of natural resources, as individuals and families may prioritize meeting immediate needs—such as food, water, and shelter—over long-term sustainability.

When resources are scarce, the desperation to survive can lead people to exploit forests, waterways, and other ecosystems without considering the long-term impacts, resulting in significant environmental degradation. For instance, deforestation may occur as communities clear land for agriculture or firewood. Additionally, overfishing in local waters might jeopardize fish populations, threatening both the environment and the community's future food security. In this context, the relationship between poverty and environmental degradation is evident, as economic necessity leads to practices that can harm ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.