ABSTRACT
The World Bank Report on ‘Development and Environment’ is a well-researched, forward-looking and eminently practical document. As should be expected from any document from the World Bank, it consistently refers to costs. Environmental damage can be quantified in terms of parameters such as health and productivity. But there is one aspect of the environment which cannot be quantified, that is the amenity value. Clean air, sylvan surroundings, and quiet neighbourhood undoubtedly add to the quality of life. When they become unavailable due to environmental damage, the quality of life suffers. Ninety percent of the population increase during the next forty years will be in the Developing countries: the population of Sub-Saharan Africa will grow from 500 million to 1500 million, that of Asia from 3.1 to 5.1 billion, and that of Latin America from 450 to 750 million. A better environment does not come into existence on its own. It has to be brought into existence.
