Economies and environment in a developmental perspective.

The article discusses the issue of environment in developing countries. The outlook for the environment is one of the key elements in the critique of economic theory. For those of us who are concerned with the problems of development as a matter of priority, it is essential that environmental problems should not be considered only in the light of consequences of development, which is misdirected or unduly indifferent to the environment. They must, on the contrary be central to a fresh consideration of the most strategic and fundamental issues of development in the Third World. Whenever an environmental problem arises, there is always a conflict of interest, between companies and individuals, between rich and poor or between different regions or countries, and this is an essential feature of the relationship between development and the environment. It is important to recognize the reality of the conflict surrounding the environment issue, since a way must be found for society to deal intelligently with the problem of reconciling the interests at stake.