Creative destruction: Breaking ships, building the economy, cleaning the environment

Well-meaning groups in the West are in danger of having a negative impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers in the shipyards of the developing world. While seeking to impose First World environmental and safety standards on the ship-breaking industry through the Basel Convention, they have not taken account of the realities of life in India. The shipyards – a harsh environment, where workers receive a pittance by western standards – provide both a livelihood for the rural poor and their families, and make a significant contribution to the steel and construction industries. This paper argues that free market principles will provide the economic growth which will benefit both the poor and the environment.

http://www.cepos.dk/uploads/media/creative_destruction_breaking_ships_building_the_economy_cleaning_the_environment.pdf