Different Shades of Green; Environmental Degradation Under Communism and the Road to Recovery

When the Iron Curtain finally collapsed in late 1989, many Eastern Europeans welcomed democratic governance with open arms. With redefined policies, a redistribution of power(s), and a shift to hard currency (which would afford Eastern Europe a greater standing on the international market), democracy seemed like a blissful dream; the kind which could afford its people the luxuries which their western counterparts enjoyed. The people, with newly infused power and legitimacy were now free to …

…a transitional economy, Eastern Europe has begun to shape an environmental agenda which can only get better. With guidelines and standards set out by the EU, it's safe to say that we'll continue to see an improvement in the environment as many countries race for ascension. Finally, the hardships that came with such environmental restoration should also serve (to the rest of the world) as an example of the importance of maintaining our finite resources.