Pollution Havens

Pollution havens is a term used to describe those regions that have less stringent environmental and social regulations, which make them an attractive place for companies to locate their most polluting activities. Differences in the stringency and enforcement of environmental regulations, either within a particular country or globally, provides incentives for firms to move their dirtiest activities to these pollution havens as a way to reduce the costs associated with complying with social and environmental regulations. This entry examines pollution havens, their role in local and global business operations, and the ethical and social concerns they raise.