Global Inequality in Environmental Hazards

Question 1

Globalization

Answer 1

the process by which technological communications, and political changes have intensified the worldwide exchange of money, goods, people & culture

Question 2

___________ ___________ can seek out areas with the cheapest labor and most lax environmental regulations, cutting costs to increase profit

Answer 2

Transnational corporations

Question 3

Estimated __ million tons of hazardous waste cross international borders; ___% of it originates in rich countries

Answer 3

3

90

Question 4

What is waste dumping partially due to and how has it come about?

Answer 4

success of environmental justice movements in richer countries

increased regulations and protested waste locations, motivating companies to find new “dumping grounds”

Question 5

Which place in the world has imported 300 million tons of toxic waste?

Answer 5

West Africa

Question 6

How does this global environmental inequality hurt everyone in the long run?

Answer 6

rich countries see loss of industrial jobs as corporations move to areas with cheaper labor and weaker environmental laws

Question 7

What are the 4 reasons why regulations are so tough to acquire?

Answer 7

1) corporation can threaten to move or move to another location
2) hard to develop rules and regulations at the global scale that countries will both sign
3) difficult for local communities to organize across borders to enact change at international level
4) wealth inequality because developing countries need more income

Question 8

What treaty is one that works to limit and regulate the transfer of hazardous waste between nations?

Answer 8

Basel Convention