Poverty and environment: Linkages in mountains and uplands: Reflection on the 'poverty trap' thesis

The central premise of the poverty trap thesis maintains that, mainly due to inherent short time horizons and risk aversion, poverty encourages overexploitation of the physical environment which results in further impoverishment. Using both conceptual and empirical material, this paper examines some of the major linkages that are believed to exist between the processes of poverty and environmental degradation, focusing on the Western Himalayan Regions of India. The paper investigates whether the relationship is functional or causal, and assesses the role of other factors, particularly institutions and social and cultural influences.