1.26 Discuss possible reasons for the difference between the United States and other
selected countries with respect to the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites in the past.
European countries, historically, have shown more concern for the environment than the U.S. This could
be due to several reasons. First, land is very scarce in Europe, and communities treat it with great respect.
Secondly, in countries such as France people are socialized to appreciate the environment through social
norms and legislation. Due to these reasons, the amount of waste generated in these countries is
minimized resulting in less of a need for remediation.
Other differences between the U.S. and other countries can be found by comparing our current practices
to those of come third world countries. Most either have no environmental laws or laws that are not
enforced. Companies in these countries are not required to adhere to the same environmental standards,
as they would be in the U.S. Due to this difference, assessment and remediation projects, both costly
endeavors, are not as common in the U.S.