A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory?
Explain your position.
The construction of a factory near your community will severely impact your community. As an employer, the factory will provide jobs for those living nearby, a source of revenue for local businesses, and a source of pride for the local community. However, the factory will also bring with it environmental, social, and health risks, as well as increased property values. The factory will unquestionably provide jobs, but at what cost?
The construction of such a factory would have major impacts on the community. It will create a large number of jobs, which, while beneficial, will not provide sufficient income to support the current population. In addition, the factory’s construction will alter the look of the community, as large industrial buildings will dwarf nearby homes. This change in physical appearance may prompt local residents to wish to sell their home and move elsewhere. Furthermore, the factory’s employees will consume goods, which will not be available locally, such as gasoline and electricity. As a result, the cost of living will rise, and the local population will be forced to sell off assets in order to afford basic necessities. The residents of a rural area, for example, may have to sell their horses in order to live. Finally, this factory will pollute the air, water and soil, adding to pollution already present in the community. The factory’s construction will alter local ecosystems, creating additional pollution. Over time the pollution created by this factory will alter the health and quality of life of local residents.
This factory will potentially offer an economic boost to the area, but at what cost? First, the factory’s construction will require a large sum of money, which will come from taxes paid by local residents and businesses. In addition, the factory will require the use of natural resources, such as oil, coal, and water, causing environmental damage that will cost more to clean up than the amount gained from the factory’s construction. This increase in pollution and environmental damage will have a negative effect on the health of the community, and if left unchecked, may compromise the overall health of the community. This factory will also likely consume a large portion of energy resources. As industrial operations typically use more energy than residential operations, this factory will consume more energy than is actually needed to operate. Overall, the economic impact of this new factory will be negative.
Finally, the construction of this factory will have a negative effect on the local community. The residents of a community take pride in their environment, and the construction of a factory will dramatically alter this appearance. In addition, the factory will alter the local economy, reducing the available income of local residents. This, in turn, may prompt local residents to sell their home and move, further altering the community’s appearance. Finally, the factory’s construction will cause environmental damage that will compromise the overall health of the community and expose residents to health risks. For these reasons, I oppose the factory.