Communism and the environment

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:7167770

Mazurski, K R ^[1]

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1. Academy of Economics, Wroclaw (Poland)

When communist governments took control of Eastern European nations in 1949, they embraced the Marxist ideology on natural resources - that natural resources have no intrinsic value; their sole purpose is to serve humans. At the same time, the governments promoted heavy industry to feed their military apparatus. The combination was devastating to the environment. The situation is worst in Poland, where a third of the population lives in areas under ecological threat. But it also was in Poland where environmental awareness first emerged and public protest began. Citizen reaction also was registered in Hungary and Czechoslovakia; in East Germany, opposition was not permitted; in Bulgaria, actions were few; and in romania, even the hint of protest was met by repression. Air pollution probably is the biggest problem, particularly in Poland and Czechoslovakia, although water pollution also is severe throughout most of Eastern Europe. What is needed is a comprehensive assistance plan - a Green Marshall Plan. Eastern European countries cannot solve their problems on their own.

• OSTI ID: 7167770
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States) Vol. 6:4; ISSN 0887-8218; ISSN FARPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290400 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
CENTRALLY PLANNED ECONOMIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FINANCING
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PUBLIC OPINION
RECOMMENDATIONS
REMEDIAL ACTION
RESOURCE DEPLETION