Free Trade and the Environment

The Feldsteins are continuing the muddled thinking of economists and government leaders in countries all over the planet. They are only interested in short-term gains and improvements for the population of Mexico and other Third World countries. If the Mexican government and industries are not urged to adopt environmentally sound technology, they will get their short-term gains, but in the long run their economy will suffer even greater hardships. Their environment, especially the levels of air pollution, will increase to the point where cities will become unlivable.

If the government in Mexico adopts the more expensive environmentally sound technology, it will have a slower initial growth, but the growth will last well into the 21st Century, and in the long run the citizens of Mexico and the rest of the planet will benefit.

MATTHEW D. HALL

Claremont