What does the "pollutor pays" principle dictate?

The "pollutor pays" principle dictates that those responsible for producing pollution should be accountable for the costs associated with managing it and mitigating its impacts on the environment and public health. This concept encourages polluters to internalize the expenses related to their activities that generate environmental harm, thereby promoting responsible behavior and discouraging pollution.

By making polluters financially liable for their emissions, the principle aims to create incentives for reducing pollution at the source, thereby protecting natural resources and fostering sustainable development. It underlines the importance of holding individuals or organizations directly responsible for the environmental consequences of their actions, rather than shifting the burden to governments or taxpayers.

This principle contrasts with ideas that place financial responsibility on consumers or absolve polluters of consequences, further highlighting its role in environmental policy and resource management.