ABSTRACT
Environmental problems are transnational problems. In some cases, the effects themselves reach beyond borders. But even problems that seem to be merely local, such as photochemical smog, or polluted lakes and rivers, are the result of a world-wide development of production and markets, the byproducts of a struggle for economic prosperity or survival. The attempts of people within their neighbourhoods or national borders to solve environmental problems are likely to have limited success, for either the solution will be beyond their political means or their efforts will be thwarted by ‘economic necessities’. The attempt of one country to live within environmental limitations, to impose strict environmental measures, to put a ceiling on production and consumption, will not have its desired effect unless other countries do the same. And if this seems unlikely then there will be little popular support for measures that are bound to be disadvantageous for those who adopt them.
