Answer: D Positive externalities because broader environmental benefits accrue to society

Sun, 03 May 2026 03:06:11 +0000

**D Positive Externalities Because Broader Environmental Benefits Accrue to Society**
*Discover the growing awareness of how everyday choices create lasting environmental value—without coercion, just insight.* Why are conversations about shared environmental gains gaining momentum in the United States? From climate-conscious consumer habits to corporate sustainability pledges, people are increasingly recognizing that individual actions pile up into measurable community-wide change. At the heart of this shift is a key concept: positive externalities, where personal decisions generate benefits beyond the individual—shielding the atmosphere, enhancing local ecosystems, and lowering collective long-term risks. Understanding these ripple effects helps explain why sustainable living is no longer just a niche concern but a growing societal priority. --- **What Are Positive Externalities in Environmental Terms?**
Positive externalities occur when one person’s actions produce indirect benefits that improve the well-being or quality of life for others—without them being directly compensated. In environmental contexts, this might mean reducing household energy use lowering local air pollution, or adopting electric vehicles decreasing city-wide emissions. Because these benefits spread across communities, they often go unpriced in market transactions. Yet their impact is tangible: cleaner air, less strain on public infrastructure, and enhanced resilience to climate change.