What we don't realize is that the poor use very little resources for their everyday living in the first place, and they use resources that are proximate to them. Hence, their impact on the environment is visible and short-term.

It is the rich, and their high rates of consumption - of resources far away from their places of living - that is causing real environmental destruction. 'Poverty and Environment' is a popular conference theme. Why don't we see more conferences on 'wealth and environmental destruction'??

Mmmmmm ....