Question

Why do low-income countries like Brazil, Egypt, or Vietnam have lower environmental standards than high-income countries like the Germany, Japan, or the United States?

Short answer

Because of the below reason low-income countries like Brazil, Egypt, or Vietnam have lower environmental standards than high income countries like the Germany, Japan or the United states.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Meaning of 'race to the bottom'.

It refers to a competitive situation where a company, state or nation attempts to undercut the competitions prices by sacrificing quality standards or workers safety or reducing labor costs.

Step 2. Low-income countries typically have lower environmental standards than high-income countries. 

Low income countries have low environmental standards because they focus more on items like- food, education, healthcare etc. rather than environment.