There is a tradeoff between production and environmental damage. Pollution is an example of a negative externality that affects all. However, it is difficult for nations with different income levels to cooperate on environmental issues such as waste disposal, protecting soil degradation, overpopulation, water pollution, deforestation, and overfishing. The readings address the realities of international compliance.

While the international community agrees that they are committed to these efforts, is it reasonable to expect that they could or would abide to stringent guidelines? Explain how and why.