Which of the following is a contributor to GDP that does not increase wealth?

Pollution clean-up is a contributor to GDP that does not necessarily increase wealth. When a society spends money on pollution clean-up, it reflects the costs associated with addressing problems created by environmental degradation rather than creating new value. This expenditure signifies that damage has already occurred, requiring remediation, rather than investment in new infrastructure or services that enhance overall wealth and productivity.

In contrast, infrastructure development, educational expenditures, and technological advancements typically lead to productive capacity, skill enhancement, and efficiency gains in the economy, which contribute to wealth creation and long-term economic growth. These activities represent proactive investments that yield benefits over time, whereas pollution clean-up is a reactive measure that addresses negative impacts without enhancing future capabilities or wealth generation.