Introduction

Since 1970 virtually every country in the world has grown concerned about the natural environment. From the United States to China and from Sweden to Kenya, citizens and governments have acted to protect air, water, and land. Of nearly 200 independent nations, only a few like North Korea do not at least claim to have programs. Indeed, among democracies, environ mental programs are extensive. Moreover they are quite similar, with laws and agencies that are nearly interchangeable (which is not to say they are equally effective). The reasons for similar programs range from parallel histories to direct borrowing. Governments copy laws and protest groups copy demonstrations in other countries. Interest groups imitate one another across national borders, and those such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth are worldwide with branches in many countries.