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:
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Press
release October 25, 2001 (World Bank)