The over-developed countries of the World are so self-absorbed that they fail
to see the suffering experienced by most peoples of the World. Belief me -
having one hell of an ego myself, I know about self-absorption (but I'm working
on it ;-). Most Americans, Brits and Aussies are more concerned about
having more than making sure all members of the human family have enough.
Over the past days the Environment News Service has run some outstanding
articles on the issue of poverty and the environment, which I highly encourage
you read and contemplate, including this one:
Wealthy Nations Fail to Fund Clean Water, Health

Poverty is violence and harmful to the environment.