Population Growth and Economic Development Policy Questions (1986) / Chapter Skim
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3 Will slower population growth alleviate pollution and the degradaton of the natural environment?
3 Will slower population growth alleviate pollution and the degradaton of the natural environment?
Pages 35-39
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From page 35... ...
However, there are many processes of environmental degradation Hat depend more directly on population. For example, while most of the buildup of aunospheric carbon dioxide responsible for the emerging "greenhouse', effect is due to fossil fuel combustion, predominantly in He developed countries, some 23 to 43 percent is due to the burning of forests, primarily for land clearance, in developing countries ~Voodwell et al., 1983)
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From page 36... ...
. In developing countries, which may lack administrative resources, even if environmental quality measures are adopted, such measures may be difficult to police.
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From page 37... ...
Although some carbon dioxide accumulation is due to He burning of forests in developing countries, the most important environmental problems in developing countries are likely to be relatively localized, such as air and water pollution from human and industrial wash especially in cities-and siltation of water resources from erosion. The cumulative effect of localized environmental degradation is difficult to predict because natural processes can clean He air and water up to a certain threshold level, beyond which degradation may progress more rapidly.
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From page 38... ...
But the fact that they have not been widely implemented suggests either Hat the problems are less important, relative to the many other problems of developing countries, or that there are severe technological and institutional bamers to resource control. The problem of siltation of water resources from soil erosion is exceptional because the means to control it, which originate in millions of actions taken over highly dispersed areas, are not obvious and probably not inexpensive.
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From page 39... ...
It is necessary, of course, Mat such protection be undertaken before the resource is irreparably damaged. While the long-term solution to these problems will require socially negotiated access rules, slower population growth might allow somewhat more time for developing countries to implement the policies and to develop He institutions necessary to protect the environment.
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