“African villagers used to spend their days and evenings sewing clothes for their neighbors, on foot peddle powered sewing machines. Once they get electricity they will spend too much time watching television and listening to the radio.” - Gar Smith, Earth Island Institute 1“It's just not possible for people to have the material lifestyle of the average American. I'm proud that we've been able to block almost 300 hydroelectric projects in developing countries.” - Brent Blackwelder, president of Friend of the Earth. 1
These comments are examples of eco-imperialism—policies that seek to protect the environment but deny impoverished people the chance for better lives. It violates the rights of mostly poor, desperate Africans, Asians and Latin Americans, denying them economic opportunities and the chance for better lives. 2
