The Corporate Planet
With the globalization of business, Karliner argues, transnational corporations have exported pollution to countries with lax environmental laws, dramatically increasing the danger of ecological catastrophe. Globalization has also displaced indigenous cultures and sustainable, local economies. The author, who directs the Transnational Resource and Action Center, a nonprofit environmental organization, accuses corporations of working with cooperative politicians and officials to avoid existing laws and squash attempts to strengthen environmental protections. He examines Chevron and Mitsubishi in depth, using them as case studies to demonstrate corporate responsibility for creating pollution. Karliner makes many good points and uncovers numerous abuses, but his strident language eventually undermines his thesis. For an overview of environmental issues, a better choice is Ann and Paul Ehrlich's Betrayal of Science and Reason (LJ 10/15/96).?Randy Dykhuis, Michigan Lib. Consortium, LansingCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.