Some environmentalists claim that the higher the international debt a nation carries, the more likely it is that the quality of life in that nation will suffer. These environmentalists argue that in a variety of ways the effort a nation must expend to pay its debt hastens the depletion of its natural example, through the elimination of government subsidies for practices that reduce pollution or conserve natural resources.
But the evidence for the environmentalists’ claims is weak. With respect to the exports promotion hypothesis, one recent study does suggest a positive correlation between international debt and deforestation, but also indicates that other factors besides debt may play a stronger role. Another study found only a slight positive correlation between debt of the fiscal discipline or economic restructuring imposed by debt may rein in potentially harmful spending.
What this question is testing
Anticipate
What does this author mean by "quality of life"? Look at everything the passage discusses: forests, pollution, natural resources, water quality, pesticides, dams. It is all environmental. The author uses "quality of life" to mean environmental health.
Goal
Find the environmental answer.
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