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Poverty and Pollution: Growing up in the world's most polluted cities

Geoff Riley

3rd February 2018

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This is a vivid and powerful four minute read on the negative externalities from copper mining in Zambia and the story of one man growing up in what rapidly became one of the most polluted places on the planet.

It is a reminder that the effects of pollution / climate change nearly always fall disproportionately on relatively poorer families and communities who live closer to the source of the pollution and fewer resources to cope.

According to the World Bank, pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death.

The failure of government to protect property rights and compensate those affected lies right at the heart of the issue.

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Geoff Riley

Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for nearly forty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD and Revision conferences in the UK and overseas.