INDUSTRIALIZATION, SOMETIMES CALLED development, has been a far-reaching, evolutionary process for more than 200 years. Industrialization is not only a process of extracting resources from the Earth and turning them into goods for consumption. It has significant implications for ways of thinking, social relationships, and the view of the Earth and its resources. Because of its dependence on fossil fuels to spur production and growth, industrialization has radically changed the global environment.

Historical Roots

The Industrial Revolution began around the turn of the 19th century. It marked a significant turn in human history, sparking a protracted effort to lower risk to human survival by increasing economic surplus, and mastering the environment. The Industrial Revolution's shorter-term impacts included a general increase in the living standard, improved overall nutrition ...

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