In the previous blog of this series, we discussed planned obsolescence as a business strategy where products are intentionally designed with a limited lifespan to encourage replacement and increase profits. This practice by companies is considered a corporate environmental crime and can take many forms, including pollution, illegal dumping of hazardous waste, and illegal mining.
Air pollution is a global problem affecting millions of people’s health and well-being. It is a complex issue that has far-reaching effects on the environment and human health. According to a report by the Lancet Commission on pollution and health, in 2019, air pollution was the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death worldwide, resulting in 6.7 million casualties.
December 1924 was a significant time during which several prominent light bulb manufacturers, including General Electric, Osram, Philips, and Compagnie des Lampes, engaged in a conspiracy to artificially shorten the lifespan of their products. The usual standard for incandescent light bulbs burning hours was reduced from 2,500 in 1924 to 1,000 by 1940.
I recently had an interaction with an environmentalist relating to my research on environmental crime.
