Policies designed to benefit the environment sometimes conflict with the social and economic well-being of people on low incomes. Little is known, about how people on low incomes view the environment. Using four case-study areas this study provides insights into people's environmental concerns.

Policies designed to benefit the environment sometimes conflict with the social and economic well-being of people on low incomes, who are particularly vulnerable to environmental problems. Little is known, however, about how people on low incomes view the environment. Using four case-study areas (three run-down neighbourhoods and one seemingly attractive rural locality) this study provides insights into people's local and wider environmental concerns. "Rainforests are a long way from here" begins by exploring interviewees' concerns for their own homes and localities and for the wider national and global environment. It finds that people are often most concerned about what may seem relatively minor local environmental problems rather than issues such as pollution which seem most problematic from an external viewpoint. The study then provides information about the extent to which individuals are getting involved in environmental action to tackle problems and what prevents them from doing so. The research also considers how members of disadvantaged groups view the green movement.