3. Background
Developing countries and social and environmental degradation are intertwined. The long
term economic development of developing countries is threatened by social and
environmental catastrophes. In line with the competitive advantage argument, the Asian
Development Bank argues that protecting the society and environment is not at odds with
pursuing economic growth and development (Kazmin and James 2001). The vast Asian
market could determine the future of the planet. While substantial economic growth in Asia
has resulted in an overall reduction of poverty, growth has placed considerable strains on the
society and environment (Kerr, 2008). Large economic projects in developing countries bring
employment, services and infrastructure that their governments cannot afford to provide,
whereas in developed countries such as Australia there are alternative sources of public
investment and income as well as a safety net of social services. Projects are thus welcomed
for the benefits they may deliver so that campaigns about social and environmental
destruction are most vociferous when projects causing degradation are closing (Macintyre 2007).