What are the environmental impacts of a rich versus a poor country?

Answer 1

Rich countries often have higher per capita resource consumption and waste production, leading to significant environmental impacts such as higher greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction, and pollution. In contrast, poorer countries may have less overall environmental degradation due to lower consumption levels, but they often face challenges such as deforestation, pollution from informal industries, and vulnerability to climate change. Additionally, wealthier nations can export their environmental impacts through consumption of resources from poorer countries, perpetuating a cycle of ecological strain. Ultimately, both rich and poor countries contribute to environmental issues, but their impacts and capacities for mitigation differ significantly.