Skip to content

Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be…

“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers
Download Open image
“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always though that under-populated countries in Africa are vastly UNDER-polluted, their air quality is probably vastly inefficiently low compared to Los Angeles or Mexico City.”

Lawrence Summers

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Critiques the ethical paradox of wealthier nations offloading environmental burdens onto poorer regions, highlighting systemic injustice.

In simple terms: Wealthy exploit poor environments.

Key Takeaway

Expose inequity.

Themes

environmental justice global inequality industrial dumping ethical economics

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical advocacy

When to use this quote

  • NGO advocacy
  • corporate compliance
  • academic research

Key Concepts

policy analysis environmental ethics

Practical Applications

  • policy brief
  • public awareness campaign

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do wealthy nations have toward global ecosystems?
  • How can equitable trade policies be enforced?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that developing nations benefit from job creation despite environmental costs.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Lawrence Summers

Explore all 38 Lawrence Summers quotes

More Air quotes

Browse all 6,278 Air quotes