The Developing World and the Environment: Making the Case for Effective Protection of the Global Environment

The seeds of the demise of many early civilizations (Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, and Mayan) found fertile ground in environmental conflicts. The roots of environmental crises are also embedded in the industrial revolution, the advent of the age of science and technology, urbanization, changes in agriculture, the population explosion, and the rise in consumerism. It is no surprise that even today, the global village is highly concerned with the issue of environmentalism. In this study, author Rajendra Ramlogan calls for a re-examination of the legal and institutional framework for protection of the global environment within the context of the special needs of the developing world. This unique third-world perspective on international environmental law is suitable for college-level courses.