This work examines in depth the relationship between foreign direct investment and the environment. Over the last few decades, increasing levels of environmental degradation have been recorded and have been claimed to be particularly attributable to globalization and the widespread increase of economic activities, in particular foreign direct investments (FDIs). However, the environmental implications of FDIs are not easily identified and contradictory views and arguments have been presented. This work contributes to the debate by closely analyzing the specific literature produced over the last three decades, and by presenting and discussing recent trends and prospects with regard to the FDI phenomenon.

Pasquale Pazienza gained his Master of Science in Environmental Economics from the University of York (UK) and a Research Doctorate in Policies for Territorial Sustainable Development from the University of Bari (Italy). At present, he is a research fellow at the Department of Economics and Finance of the Business School of the University of Durham (UK) and works at the Department of Economics of the University of Foggia (Italy), where he teaches various economic courses. He is a member of various European and international research teams. In addition to his academic commitments, he has previously worked as a consultant for various local socio-economic development plans in southern Italy and more recently, he has been appointed to some local government positions.