The debate over how to protect and manage the environment is loaded with political and economic nuances. While few now dispute that great dangers await the Earth if collective action is not taken to regulate existing abuses and somehow negate past excesses, many argue over how this should be done, who should pay for it and what effect such efforts will have on their own back yards.

For the developing countries, particularly among those in Asia which have seen their measurable indices of output and wealth soar over the past few decades, the environment has taken second place to development. In some cases, notably Japan, this attitude is changing as wealth buys the time to contemplate the aesthetic and practical benefits of a cleaner and safer environment. The stirrings of a similar attitude are evident in South Korea, Hongkong and to a lesser extent Taiwan. The dragons are beginning to worry about their nests.

However, for much of developing Asia such sentiments are viewed as a luxury, both by individuals and governments, as they seek to capitalize on their new-found popularity among foreign investors — Thailand is a good example — or struggle to wrench themselves out of poverty — as in China and India. Nevertheless, all appear to accept the need for some form of controls, both regulatory and mechanical, to prevent pollution and waste. In addition, they now also have to consider international initiatives — invariably drawn up by the industrialised countries and often regarded by those aspiring to reach a similar status with deep suspicion —to control the use of chemicals and manufacturing processes that have an impact far beyond their own borders.

The ability to translate this generalized desire to live more harmoniously with nature while exploiting the resources needed to sustain life, growth and wealth is the measure by which any success in reversing past depredations and preventing future ecological disasters must be judged. In the case of Asia, present efforts must — for the most part — be judged harshly.

-Gavin Greenwood

Source : Far Eastern Economic Review, 19 Sept, 1991 

Back to Archive Page

Recycling Point Dot Com

(C) 2000 All Rights Reserved