The capitalist incentive is that failing to comply with regulations is more expensive than complying and potentially gets in the way of earning revenue (due to being banned from operating in the market, for example).
The evidence seems to point very strongly toward the need for regulations. This is notable in examples such as China which has stepped into the developed world recently and has not yet caught up with the same level of regulations. Resulting in excessive and dangerous pollution throughout the country. While on the flip side we've seen the rapidity and efficiency with which solid regulations can result in cleaner air, safer waterways, species brought back from the brink of extinction, and so forth. Regulation works. Period. It may not be perfect, but it does work and is an economically viable solution.
Why do these things happen? Why do they think it's acceptable to pollute? Because they perceive a short-term gain in profits and without being forced to consider the negative externalities of their actions they simply won't (or can't while operating competitively with their competition).
The evidence seems to point very strongly toward the need for regulations. This is notable in examples such as China which has stepped into the developed world recently and has not yet caught up with the same level of regulations. Resulting in excessive and dangerous pollution throughout the country. While on the flip side we've seen the rapidity and efficiency with which solid regulations can result in cleaner air, safer waterways, species brought back from the brink of extinction, and so forth. Regulation works. Period. It may not be perfect, but it does work and is an economically viable solution.
Why do these things happen? Why do they think it's acceptable to pollute? Because they perceive a short-term gain in profits and without being forced to consider the negative externalities of their actions they simply won't (or can't while operating competitively with their competition).