Economic Growth and Environmental Degradation in Rivers State: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation in Rivers State. Primary and secondary data were compiled to determine its population which was estimated at 6,141,300 by National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) in 2022 and a sample size of 400 was achieved by using Yamane formula. With the use of a purposive sampling methodology, 400 questionnaires were circulated and 286 were collected. Using a mean criterion of 3.0, the questionnaire was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale consisting of mean, standard deviation and SPSS were employed in the study data analysis. The findings of the study reviewed that the environment and residents of Rivers State has experienced increase in pollution of waterways, decrease in water quality, over-extraction of groundwater, deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, air pollution, increased greenhouse gas emission, respiratory problem, increase in water-borne disease, health problem such as cancer, damage of mangrove, loss of fisheries etc. The research concluded that economic growth and environmental impacts are interconnected and have far-reaching consequences for the environment, human health, and local communities in Rivers State that urgent action is needed to mitigate these impacts as well as to encourage sustainable economic growth that will be environmental friendly.