Development at Risk from Environmental Degradation

The combination of resource depletion and population growth places the sustainability of development at risk in a large number of the poorest countries, according to Environment Matters – the World Bank's annual environmental review.

Environment Matters, which focuses this year on the Bank's newly-launched Environment Strategy, says that the reduction of poverty is critical to secure a sustainable future, and that environmental sustainability is intrinsic to poverty reduction.

"Not only are we facing environmental depletion and poverty on an immense scale, but World Bank estimates show that the events of September 11th in New York and Washington DC will result in more suffering for the poor in the developing world," said Ian Johnson, World Bank Vice President for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development. "Now more than ever, it is critical to substantially increase the opportunities for millions of people that today feel left out of the benefits of economic and social progress, and to do it in an environmentally sound manner."

More information:
- Press release October 25, 2001 (World Bank)

Date of publication: 31/10/2001

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