Structural Adjustment and the Environment

Drawing on case studies and global analysis, this important book examines the basic philosophy, scope, and objectives of structural adjustment as promoted by the World Bank, and the ways in which it might contribute to human needs and environmental protection. Concluding that the pursuit of economic growth must be conditioned by environmental objectives, scholars from the World Wide Fund for Nature call for a thorough revision of development policy, including basic institutional change, reforms in lending priorities, and increased democratization of the development process. During the 1980s the World Bank loaned over USD28.5 billion for structural adjustment programs in developing countries. Structural Adjustment and the Environment explores the results of these programs and arrives at the disturbing conclusion that structural adjustment lending has failed both to protect the environment and to achieve sustainable development. Drawing on case studies and global analysis, this important book examines the basic philosophy, scope, and objectives of structural adjustment and the ways in which it might contribute to human needs and environmental protection. Concluding that the pursuit of economic growth must be conditioned by environmental objectives, scholars from the World Wide Fund for Nature call for a thorough revision of development policy, including basic institutional change, reforms in lending priorities, and increased democratization of the development process.This is a vital book for activists and scholars in a wide range of disciplines who are concerned with international development and the environment.