The massive environmental cost of economic development has been just about ignored for much of the last century. Because the natural environment isn’t factored into most economic models,  our planet has been paying the price for constant ‘progress’ in the form of polluted air, waterways and soil.  This has resulted in climate change, extinction, water salinity, and a frightening plunge in biodiversity.

To make matters worse, it’s often the poorest communities who pay the highest price for environmental damage. Free trade means that companies can search around the world for the cheapest place to operate. So developing countries lower their taxes, wages and environmental regulations to attract foreign investment. This means that many companies are not held responsible for the pollution they create, so, the communities affected are forced to live with the consequences like dirty air and water, or foot the bill for the cleanup.

Climate change and pollution are truly globalised. Their impact will be felt by polluters and non-polluters alike – but in particular, the poor and marginalised who, living and working in low lying areas, will be the first to be affected by rising sea levels.