Even though institutions like the World Bank use wealth ① to differentiate between “developed” and “developing” countries, they also agree that development is more than economic growth. “Development” can also include the social and environmental changes that are caused by or accompany economic growth, some of ② which are positive and thus may be negative. Awareness has grown — and
continues to grow — that the question of how economic growth is affecting people and the planet ③ needs to be addressed. Countries are slowly learning that it is cheaper and causes ④ much less suffering to try to reduce the harmful effects of an economic activity or project at the beginning, when it is planned, than after the damage appears.
To do this is not easy and is always imperfect. But an awareness of the need for such an effort indicates a greater understanding and moral concern than ⑤ was the previous widespread attitude that focused only on creating new products and services.
