How will the recession affect the environment?

Obviously the recession is a bad thing but what impact will it have on environmental issues.

I see it as a mixed bag. On the one hand, booming industry and a booming economy can have a very detrimental effect on the environment, due to the amount of energy consumed and of course the amount of transport it generates. Also, the construction industry itself is very damaging to the environment due in large part to the amount of concrete used. On the other had however, the recession obviously means that the government has to cut back on important economic initiatives like public transport.

What do you think?

The oil prices have already gone too low, stifling innovation in the alternative energy sector. It remains to be seen as to whether government initiatives can make up the difference

As to the rest, I'd agree with you