Environmental Degradation in Major Manufacturing Countries
Moving manufacturing to nations with lax environmental regulation results in destruction and devastation of natural systems in the manufacturing nations. In a study by Judith M. Dean of the U.S. International Trade Commission and Mary E. Lovely of Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution, the main component of acid rain, and water pollution have increased in China in direct proportion to increases in exports resulting from free trade. Carmen C. Gozalez of the Seattle University School of Law cites numerous cases of the shifting of environmental degradation due to manufacturing from wealthier countries to the developing world. However, many importing nations are becoming more aware of the environmental problems in exporting nations and are pressuring governments and manufacturers toward more responsible industrial practices.