Executives who run businesses such as property development, transport companies and car manufacturers generally aren't willing to pay for cleaner air, either outright or in terms of lost business opportunities. They may be making a mistake. But if you look at it in the long term, the economic impact of not correcting them now is more severe. One possible bright spot is the informal alliance of environmental groups with local chambers of commerce and other concerned business organizations. But in encouraging cities to try even the quick fixes, they are up against a formidable combination of political anxiety, economic pressure and apathy.
Every city offers a cautionary tale.
Even if the gasoline bill passes, enforcement could be lax. The territory's air pollution ordinance provides specific checks but prosecution of offenders is low. In 1995, only 56 cases made it to court. Kuala Lumpur may provide a case study of the tension between national development goals and environmental protection. Malaysia's Proton car-building program is not just a priority, it is a national obsession.