However, isn't a lot of the improvement you see in clean air and water in Europe thanks to the fact that a lot of the manufacturing that used to happen in Europe has now relocated to China after its efforts to open up its economy that started in the 80s.
The net result may be a win for the environment in developed Western nations, but considering how polluted China now is, I wonder if it's still a net negative for the world as a whole.
No, the improvements started in the 70's and 80's already due to more strict regulations for companies. Although maybe this helped the industry in Asia get a competitive advantage.
Also a lot of the water pollution was due to washing powder that used to contain phosphates. Those were forbidden in the 80's.
The net result may be a win for the environment in developed Western nations, but considering how polluted China now is, I wonder if it's still a net negative for the world as a whole.