Long-lasting pollution can also affect the physical environment by changing its characteristics through speeding up or slowing down natural processes. One other way of describing pollution is that it is waste that has been inadequately managed or controlled and which results in unnecessary damage. Achieving a “win–win” situation for economic growth and environmental protection requires that the needs of economic development be met with minimal environmental costs, or in other words, decoupling economic development from environmental damage. The environmental pollution impact of economic development stems from two key pathways that have been widely studied in the literature: The resource base needed to develop infrastructure to deliver key economic development outcomes such as access to transport, electricity, water and food. A nation's economic growth can contribute to several different kinds of pollution, affecting health and motivating policymaking decisions. The environment should not be considered a great obstacle to development, but natural assets should be preserved to complement the social and cultural environment, say various members of the society. Pollution stunts economic growth, exacerbates poverty and inequality in both urban and rural areas, and significantly contributes to climate change. Poor people, who cannot afford to protect themselves from the negative impacts of pollution, end up suffering the most. Development has had many positive impacts globally. However, the environment has suffered degradation due to increased urbanization and industrialization. The four most significant environmental issues are deforestation, pollution, desertification, and the extinction of species.In the pursuit of sustainable development, it is crucial to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation. Development initiatives must priorities the preservation of agricultural land, forests, water resources, and wildlife habitats. It recognizes the interdependence between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. Sustainable development recognizes that economic, social, and environmental considerations are interconnected and must be balanced to achieve long-term well-being. Sustainable development practices help countries grow in ways that adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, which will in turn help to protect important natural resources for ours and future generations. Sustainability practices have environmental, economic and social benefits for society as a whole. Everyone benefits from these practices by making the environment cleaner and protecting future generations. Economically speaking, sustainable practices can create a healthier, safer and more productive environment. Socially, sustainable practices can help strengthen community bonds, improve quality of life and provide hope for a better future.Sustainable development is an approach that aims to meet the needs of the present generation while preserving the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It recognizes the interdependence between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. Economic policies such as rationalization of price subsidies, the clarification of property rights, and facilitation of technology transfer may help in achieving environmental sustainability. Rationalizing subsidies will save money, improves efficiency and can significantly lower pollution. The basis for this view is the idea that environmental quality comes only after basic needs such as food and housing are met. So, countries should focus initially on economic growth even if it comes at the expense of environmental quality. Using sustainable design and engineering practices to reduce the amounts of nonrenewable raw materials required, designing and engineering systems for long life, and incorporating end-of-lifecycle recycling and reuse options into processes, products and systems.