Most global economy and environmental watchers expect the transition to a market economy to yield environmental benefits. The changing incentives that a market economy introduces should foster more efficient production, better use of resources, and increased community input. The advanced...

Examining development projects for the impact they are likely to have on the environment is now standard practice in development planning. Environmental assessment (EA) and similar methodologies are required by most multilateral and bilateral development agencies and a growing number of...

Governments have revamped mining legislation to enable private investment while becoming more sensitive to environmental factors. In light of this legislation, this report examines the environmental effects of artisanal, small, and medium mines in three Latin American Countries: Bolivia, Chile,...

The study aims to provide a better understanding of the ways in which forest resources are used in Nepal. Its focus is to examine systematically the costs and benefits of present and possible future sustainable and biodiversity-friendly management practices from household, national, and global...

Air pollution caused by motor vehicles is a major environmental problem in many Latin American urban centers. If appropriate measures are not taken soon, vehicular air pollution in the region is likely to worsen, posing a great threat to human health and welfare. This report analyzes the...

Lakes and reservoirs, which are key components of the world's water resources, are under serious threat(disturbances in the watersheds, pollution, overfishing, introduction of exotic species, diversions, and lake reclamation are all taking a toll. This report describes the special challenges of...

Air pollution has become a serious issue in many Asian cities. A major cause is the expanding motor vehicle population--with growth rates as high as 23 percent in rapidly growing economies such as China. Experience worldwide has shown that the use of clean fuels (low-lead or unleaded gasoline...

Transport-related air pollution is increasingly contributing to environmental health risks in many developing country cities. The social costs of poor urban quality can be significant, making this issue an immediate priority. Long-term measures for dealing with the problem include urban...

This publication represents the proceeding of the seminar "Groundwater: Legal and Policy Perspectives" that was organized by the Legal Vice Presidency of the World Bank. It explains some basic technical aspects of groundwater, surveys the regulatory framework for it, and discusses the World Bank...