[MonkeyMalarky]

How much is pushed vs pulled?Many resource extraction projects are cancelled because they wouldn't be economical with all the added costs to ameliorate pollution. Perhaps if the developing world had higher standards and better enforcement, it would cost more and thus not undercut local production.

[swagasaurus-rex]

Sounds like a race to the bottom. If a poor community upheld its dignity and required additional costs to keep the environment from harm, it would get outbid by a more exploitative seller.

[MonkeyMalarky]

Absolutely. Add in some greed, corruption and ignorance and you've got a recipe for where we are today. And yet people blame environmentalists?