Critical reflection (after edited)

This module indeed helps me a lot in writing academic essays. I achieved an obvious improvement in grammar. Before taking ES1102, I seldom paid attention to grammar and used to make terrible mistakes.

At the beginning of this course, I often messed up all the tenses and word forms and could not convey myself with proper language. I chose to use simple words and sentences. However, it is definitely not a good solution. Thanks to this course, I have done many grammar exercises, both online and in class. For example, we corrected each other's errors with reasons. Looking back, I have learned many things about grammar such as the usages of articles, prepositions and modal verbs, sentence structures, countable and uncountable nouns and so on. All of these became helpful when I was writing my essay. My improvement in grammar can also be seen from the increased scores of Online Grammar Exercises. After each exercise, the explanations made me be more aware of similar errors that I might make.

I am happy to see my improvement, but grammar is only one aspect. Therefore, I still have a long way to go. I have to read more academic essays and reports, so I can learn from them to build more academic vocabulary and become more organized in writing.

Critical reflection (final)

This module indeed helps me a lot in writing academic essays. I achieved an obvious improvement in grammar. Before taking ES1102, I seldom paid attention to grammar and used to made terrible mistakes.

At the beginning of this course, I often messed up all the tenses and word forms and could not convey myself with proper language. I chose to use simple words and sentences. However, it is definitely not a good solution. Thanks to this course, I have done many grammar exercises, both online and in class. For example, we corrected each other's errors with reasons. Looking back, I have learned many things about grammar such as the usages of articles, prepositions and modal verbs, sentence structures, countable and uncountable nouns and so on. All of these became helpful when I was writing my essay. My improvement in grammar can also be seen from the increased scores of Online Grammar Exercises. After each exercise, the explanations made me be more aware of similar errors that I might make.

I am happy to see my improvement, but grammar is only one aspect. Therefore, I still have a long way in studying English. I have to read more academic essays and reports, so I can learn from them to build more academic vocabulary and become more organized in writing.

Critical reflection

This module indeed helps me a lot in writing academic essays. I can see an obvious improvement of my English in grammar. Before taking ES1102, I seldom paid attention to grammar and often made terrible mistakes.

At the beginning of this course, I always messed up all the tenses and word forms and could not convey myself with proper language. I chose to use simple words and sentences. However, it is definitely not a good solution. Thanks to this course, I have done many grammar exercises, both online and in class. For example, we corrected each other's errors with reasons. Looking back, I have learned many things about grammar such as the usages of articles, prepositions and modal verbs, sentence structures, countable and uncountable nouns and so on. All of these became helpful when I was writing my essay. My improvement in grammar can also be seen from the increased scores of Online Grammar Exercises. After each exercise, the explanations made me be more aware of similar errors that I would make.

I am happy to see my improvement, but grammar is only one aspect. Therefore, I still have a long way to go in studying English. I have to read more academic essays and reports which can help me build vocabulary and become more organized in writing.

The edited final essay (in week13)

Globalization allows the national economies to integrate into international economies, bringing a lot benefits (Najam, Runnalls and Halle, 2007). However, one serious problem that has been caused by globalization is the global environmental pollution. The situation is getting worse, especially in developing countries, compared to earlier in this century. Having seen the severity of the problem, solutions are required which are mainly governments’ regulations and civilians’ efforts in everyday life.

Globalization involves a huge number of worldwide activities. In order to sustain mass production, there are many resources being used every day; in the cause of transportation, crude oil is in high demand. In the fast-paced world, air transportation, most of the time, is the first choice of travellers and businesses. However, Hettenbach (2001) states that ten gallons of crude oil is required to make one gallon of jet fuel only, and there are hundred thousand flights each day. As a consequence, jet fuel creates a large amount of wastewater and carbon dioxide gas. Other than vehicles, irresponsible corporations also create damage to environment. Their negligent and reckless behaviour and cut-back measures have caused environmental mishaps. For example, the cost-cutting by British Petroleum on maintenance is believed to be responsible for the oil well explosion which occurred in 2010. In addition, profit motives encourage industrial activities which are at the expense of the environment. For instance, in some developing countries, like China and Vietnam, exporting their agricultural goods helps their economies. However, their methods in clearing land, such as slash and burn, are very polluting. On the whole, globalization causes great environmental pollution.

In coping with the environmental issues, governments have to intervene to reduce or restrict polluting activities. So far, collective efforts are made by many governments through signing treaties or agreements. With effectiveness, governments are capable of helping with the situation, because they possess the authority to impose laws and the ability to take immediate actions when the situation is sudden and urgent. Unfortunately, this will only take effect if they are willing to (Chanda, 2007). The world now is very competitive, so no country wants to lose out to economic rivals. Therefore, governments’ intervention within their own country can be considered. They can regulate regarding their own countries’ states. That governments should work together does not necessarily mean they should apply exactly the same rules. Some governments of the poorer countries may feel unfair to restrict their activity levels to the same extent because they need more development at present. Since the final goal is to better the situation and control the polluting activities, governments can make improvements steadily according to their current circumstances. This is more likely to work better because governments would be less focused on comparing with other countries.

Other than governments, the civilians can make contributions to protect the environment as well. Many developed countries have made it known that environmental well-being is a social responsibility. Recycling becomes a way of life in countries such as Japan, Canada and Switzerland. However, some of the efforts made would be cancelled out by the polluting activities in developing countries. Singapore, a very small country, implements ecological measures such as “Bring Your Own Bag Day” and tax policies to encourage more environmentally friendly businesses (Sharma, 2011). Sadly, these efforts are rendered futile when rapid industrial activities persist in China and India. On the other hand, civilians will be more powerful than thought when everybody works towards the same goal. Governments in this situation can do publicity, promotions and public education to further increase the awareness of the importance of conservation of environment. Equipped with more related knowledge, civilians could participate in protecting the environment in daily life. Gradually, environmental friendly behaviour will probably become a habit and a lifestyle. Nevertheless, this solution also has its limitations, because in many developing countries, survival itself is a struggle, so civilians are more concerned about the basic needs. Hence, this solution is feasible, but it is more likely to take a long time to work effectively.

In conclusion, the environmental problems lead by globalization will see the light if governments intervene effectively and proactively, and civilians do all they can. The situation is severe now, but there is no shortcut to solve it. With step-by-step improvement, gradually the problems could be solved.



References
A. Najam, D. Runnalls and M. Halle (2007). Environment and Globalization: Five Propositions. Retrieved from http://www.unep.org/gc/gc24/docs/FivePropositions.pdf

T. Hettenbach (2001). More Facts About Flying. Grist. Retrieved from http://sustainability.tufts.edu/air-travel/

Chanda, N. (2007, June 28). Yale Global Online. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from The Double Edge of Globalization: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

S. Sharma (2011, June 30). Green tax and fiscal incentives for general business, shipping and land transport in Singapore. Retrieved from http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7835d77c-e98f-4a17-b32a-80e86e099d52

Final essay

Globalization allows the national economies to integrate into international economies, bringing a lot benefits (Najam, Runnalls and Halle, 2007). However, one serious problem that has been caused by globalization is the global environmental pollution. The situation is getting worse, especially in developing countries, compared to earlier in this century. Having seen the severity of the problem, solutions are required which are mainly governments’ regulations and civilians’ efforts in everyday life.

Globalization involves a huge number of worldwide activities. In order to sustain massive production, there are many resources being used every day; in the cause of exportation through various ways of transportation, crude oil is highly demanded. In the fast-paced world, air transportation is considered firstly. However, Hettenbach (2001) states that ten gallons of crude oil is required to make one gallon of jet fuel only, and there are hundred thousand flights each day. As a consequence, jet fuel creates a large amount of wastewater and carbon dioxide gas. Other than vehicles, irresponsible corporations also create damage to environment. Their negligent and reckless behaviour and cut-back measures have caused environmental mishaps. For example, the cost-cutting by British Petroleum on maintenance is believed to be responsible for the oil well explosion which occurred in 2010. In addition, profit motives encourage industrial activities which are at the expense of the environment. For instance, in some developing countries, like China and Vietnam, exporting their agricultural goods helps their economies. However, their methods in clearing land, such as slash and burn, are very polluting. On the whole, globalization causes great environmental pollution.

In coping with the environmental issues, governments have to intervene to reduce or restrict polluting activities. Collective efforts are made. Many governments have already signed treaties or agreements. With effectiveness, governments are capable of helping with the situation, because they possess the authority to impose laws and the ability to take immediate actions when the situation is sudden and urgent. Unfortunately, this will only take effect if they are willing to (Chanda, 2007). The world now is very competitive, so no country wants to lose out to economic rivals. Therefore, governments’ intervention within their own country can be considered. They can regulate regarding their own countries’ conditions. That governments should work together does not necessarily mean they should apply exactly the same rules. Some governments of the poorer countries may feel unfair to restrict their activity levels to the same extent because they need more development at present. Since the final goal is to better the situation and control the polluting activities, governments can make improvements steadily according to their current circumstances. This is more likely to work better because governments would be less focused on comparing with other countries.

Other than governments, the civilians can make contributions to protect the environment as well. Many developed countries have made it known that environmental well-being is a social responsibility. Recycling becomes a way of life in countries such as Japan, Canada and Switzerland. However, some of the efforts made would be cancelled out by the polluting activities in developing countries. Singapore, a very small country, implements ecological measures such as “Bring Your Own Bag Day” and tax policies to encourage more environmentally friendly businesses (Sharma, 2011). Sadly, these efforts are rendered futile when rapid industrial activities persist in China and India. On the other hand, civilians will be more powerful than thought when everybody works towards the same goal. Governments in this situation can do publicity, promotions and public education to further increase the awareness of the importance of conservation of environment. Equipped with more related knowledge, civilians could participate in protecting the environment in daily life. Gradually, environmental friendly behaviour will become a habit and a lifestyle. This solution also has its limitations, because in many developing countries, survival itself is a struggle, so civilians are more concerned about the basic needs. Hence, this solution is feasible, but will take a long time to work effectively.

In conclusion, the environmental problems lead by globalization will see the light if governments intervene effectively and proactively, and civilians do all they can. The situation is severe now, but there is no shortcut to solve it. With a bit improvement every moment, the problems could be solved eventually.



References
Adil Najam, David Runnalls and Mark Halle (2007). Environment and Globalization: Five Propositions. A research conducted by IISD. Retrieved from http://www.unep.org/gc/gc24/docs/FivePropositions.pdf

Todd Hettenbach (2001). More Facts About Flying. Grist. Retrieved from http://sustainability.tufts.edu/air-travel/




Chanda, N. (2007, June 28). Yale Global Online. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from The Double Edge of Globalization: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

S. Sharma (2011, June 30). Green tax and fiscal incentives for general business, shipping and land transport in Singapore. Retrieved from http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7835d77c-e98f-4a17-b32a-80e86e099d52

Essay on Globalization Draft 2

Globalization allows the national economies to integrate into international economies, bringing a lot benefits (Najam, Runnalls and Halle, 2007). However, one serious problem that has been caused by globalization is the global environmental damage such as global warming and climate change. The situation is deteriorated compared to early in this century, especially in developing countries and big countries. Having seen the severity of the problem, solutions are required which are mainly governments’ regulation and civilians’ effort in everyday life.

Globalization involves a huge number of worldwide activities. In order to sustain massive production, all types of resources are used rapidly; in the cause of exportation through various ways of transportation, crude oil is highly demanded. In the fast-paced world, air transportation is considered firstly. According to the data in “Facts of Flying” of Grist Magazine, by Todd Hettenbach, ten gallons of crude oil is required to make only one gallon of jet fuel which is used in aircraft. There are nearly hundred thousand flights each day. Jet fuel creates a large amount of wastewater and carbon dioxide gas to the environment. Irresponsible corporations also create damage to environment. Their negligent and reckless behavior and cut-back measures have caused environmental mishaps. For example, the cost-cutting by British Petroleum on maintenance is believed to be responsible for the oil well explosion. In addition, profit motives prevent companies from reducing industrial activities. Some developing countries, like China and Vietnam, export their agricultural goods, and consequently their pollutive methods in clearing land and slash and burn practices worsen the environment badly. There are countless environmentally unfriendly actions happening every day, due to globalization.

In coping with the environmental issue, governments have to intervene to reduce or restrict polluting activities. Collective effort is made. Many governments have already signed treaties or agreements. With effectiveness, governments are capable of helping with the situation, because they possess the authority to impose laws and the ability to take immediate actions when the situation is sudden and severe. Unfortunately, this will only take effect if they are willing to (Chanda, 2007). In other words, it is less likely that governments prioritize the environment problem. The world now is too competitive, so every country refuses to lose out to economic rivals. Therefore, governments’ intervention within their own country can be considered. They do not need to pose the same rules and laws as all the other countries. They can impose regulations regarding their own countries’ conditions. That governments should work together does not necessarily mean they should apply exactly the same rules in each country. The final goal is to better the situation and control the polluting activities. Hence, governments can make improvement s steadily according to their current circumstance. It will work better than the time when most of the governments are more focused on comparing with other countries effort.

Other than governments, the civilians can make contribution to protect the environment as well. Many developed countries have made it known that environmental well-being is a social responsibility. Recycling becomes a way of life in countries such as Japan, Canada and Switzerland. However, most of these environmental friendly countries are small in their sizes. For example, Singapore thinks of ecological measures such as “Bring Your Own Bag Day” and taxing companies heavily for polluting excessively. All these efforts are rendered futile when rapid industrial activities persist in China and India. However, civilians will be more powerful than thought when everybody works towards the same goal. Governments here can do publicity, promotions through mass media and public education and introduce programmes, so the public will further increase their awareness of the importance of the environment. Gradually, environmental friendly behaviours will become a habit and a lifestyle. This solution also has its limitations, because in many of the developing countries, civilians lack the information of environmental problems and survival itself is a struggle. They are more concerned about the basic needs. However, their incapability can be overtaken by those who have the information and the ability, and in long run this solution will have obvious effects.

In conclusion, the environmental problem lead by globalization has will see the light if governments intervene effectively and proactively, and civilians do all they can. The situation is severe, but there is no highway to solve it. With a bit improvement every moment, gradually and absolutely the problem will be solved eventually.

References 
Petra Christmann and Glen Taylor (2001),Globalization and the Environment: Determinants of Firm Self-Regulation in China. Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 32, No. 3  pp. 439-458 

Nicholas A. Ashford, Barry Bluestone, Phyllis Freeman, J. Davitt McAteer andWilliam R. Moomaw (2002). Globalization and the Environment. Journal of Public Health Policy, Vol. 23, No. 2 pp. 225-238

McConnell, R A (1999). Population, environment, globalization and the survival of civilization. Mankind Quarterly 40.2, 155-178.

Chanda, N. (2007, June 28). Yale Global Online. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from The Double Edge of Globalization

Adil Najam, David Runnalls and Mark Halle, Environment and Globalization: Five Propositions, www.unep.org/gc/gc24/docs/FivePropositions.pdf

(Haven't finished reading all)

Globalization Essay 1st draft

Globalization allows the national economies to integrate into international economies, bringing a lot benefits (Environment and Globalization Five Propositions, Adil Najam, David Runnalls and Mark Halle, 2007). However, one serious problem that has been caused by globalization is the global environmental damage such as global warming and climate change. The situation is worse compared to early in this century. Seen the severity of the problem, solutions are required which are mainly governments’ regulation and civilians’ effort in everyday life.

Globalization involves a huge number of worldwide activities. In order to sustain massive production, various types of resources are used rapidly. In the cause of exportation, crude oil is highly demanded as transportation is proceeding. In the fast-paced world, air transportation is considered firstly. According to the data in “Facts of Flying” of Grist Magazine, by Todd Hettenbach, ten gallons of crude oil is required to make only one gallon of jet fuel which is used in aircraft. There are nearly hundred thousand flights each day. Jet fuel creates a large amount of wastewater and carbon dioxide gas to the environment. Selfish corporations also contribute to the damage to environment. Negligent and reckless behavior and cut-back measures have caused environmental mishaps. For example, the cost-cutting by British Petroleum on maintenance is believed to be responsible for the oil well explosion. In addition, profit motives prevent companies from reducing industrial activities. Some developing countries, like China and Vietnam, exports their agricultural goods, and consequently their pollutive methods in clearing land and slash and burn practices worsen the environment badly. There are countless environmentally unfriendly actions happening every day, due to globalization.

In coping with the environmental issue, governments have to intervene to reduce or restrict polluting activities. With effectiveness, governments are capable of helping with the situation, because they possess the authority to impose laws or regulations regarding their own countries’ conditions. If there are clear rules of taxing and penalty, the corporations will not continue being reckless and will think twice before implementing any excessively polluting practice. Governments also have the ability to take immediate actions when the situation is sudden and severe. Therefore, governments’ intervention is one way to protect the environment. However, this will only be possible if the governments are willing to do so (The double edge of globalization, Nayan Chanda, 2007). In other words, it is less likely that governments prioritize the environment problem. When the regulations to be imposed have the potential to delay their economic goals, the governments may simply ignore the impacts that will be brought. Moreover, in some poor countries, the governments are corrupted. There is no guarantee that governments’ intervention will be effective.

Other than governments, the civilians can make contribution to protect the environment as well. In our daily life, there are many things can be done to reduce the burden on environment. For example, bring shopping bags instead of using plastic bags. Study shows that in Australia alone, 3.92 billion plastic bags are used a year, and amount of plastics that people use today is 20 times more than that 50 years ago. These plastic wastes are disposed into the ocean or dumped into landfills. Therefore, to stop using plastic bags or recycling of plastic products will relax the plastic waste problem to an unimaginably large extent. Furthermore, civilians will be more powerful than thought when everybody is working towards the same goal. Governments here can do publicities, promotions, public education and introduce programmes, so the public will further increase their awareness of the importance of the environment. Gradually, environmental friendly behaviours will become a habit and a lifestyle. This solution also has its limitations, because in many of the developing countries, civilians lack the information of environmental problems and survival itself is a struggle. They are more concerned about the basic needs. However, their incapability can be overtaken by those who have the information and the ability, and in long run this solution will have obvious effects.

In conclusion, the environmental problem lead by globalization has will see the light if governments intervene effectively and proactively, and civilians do all they can.

Reader response on 'The Double Edge of Globalizaton'

In Nayan Chanda's article, 'The Double Edge of Globalization', the author believes that one of the benefits brought by globalization is to raise global awareness. It is true, but I disagree with his idea of increased awareness induces more concern and thus environmental problems can be eased. It is reasonable to say awareness is a precondition to prevent worsening of environmental issues. However, I doubt that global awareness is so powerful.

Firstly, global awareness is a broad view which includes every aspect of our life on the Earth. Globalization doubtlessly causes global awareness to increase, due to the instantaneous transmission of information, but where does the awareness go? Think about it, on Youtube website, how many users are watching videos on environment? In today's fast paced world, news on economies, businesses, jobs, and housing is much more attractive. Other than the above mentioned, people's interests are very likely to fall into categories such as technologies, science, music, sports, travelling and so on. Although awareness is raised, the proportion of the awareness of environmental issues is sadly low.

Secondly, awareness does not lead to action directly. Compared to civilians, it will be better that governments are alerted. It is simply because governments have the authority to take action immediately. Unfortunately, most governments prioritize their economic growth, even at the expense of environment. For example, the haze in Indonesia caused by forest fires happens every year since 1990s. By now, it is well-known, but the problem still exists. This year, there was the worst haze pollution. In this case, newspapers, the Internet and other forms of media have spread and updated information about the situation rapidly and widely. However, the forest fires were not stopped by any serious or instant action. Therefore, the environmental problems are not taken care of. Awareness here did nothing helpful.

In conclusion, with raised global awareness, there is an increased probability that people or countries will do something against certain polluting activities. It is though too positive to say it indeed helps when information is shared worldwide.

Final summary on 'The Double Edge of Globalizaton'

Globalization has positive sides as well as negative sides. It leads to international trade and is the main contributor to global environmental problems . The situations are worse in those countries which do not have proper environmental laws. In this globalized world, the increase in people's demands, countries' exports, and thus global trading causes the increase in pollution. In this way, world trade acts as a channel for global problems which actually can be eased by available technologies. Unfortunately, they are not made use of. Furthermore, governments, which have a very important role to play, fail to control the level of polluting activities. Many just make superficial efforts and are ineffective.

On the other hand, globalization brings the world together. Nowadays,  information is shared worldwide, and global awareness raises, meaning more people are concerned about universal issues. In addition, studies show local industries pollute more than foreign investments. Therefore authorities have to do something to tackle the problems caused by globalization.

Summary on 'The Double Edge of Globalizaton' (Final draft)

Globalization has positive sides as well as negative sides. It leads international trade and is the main contributor to global environmental problems . The situations are worse in those countries which do not have proper environmental laws. In this globalized world, the increase of people 's demands, countries' exports, and thus global trading causes the increase in pollution. In this way, world trade acts as a channel for global problems. These problems can actually be eased by available technologies. Unfortunately, they are not made use of. Furthermore, governments fail to control the level of polluting activities, although they play an important role. Many just make superficial efforts and are ineffective.

On the other hand, globalization brings the world together. Nowadays,  information is shared worldwide, and global awareness arises, meaning more people are concerning about universal issues. In addition, studies show local industries pollute more than foreign investments. Therefore authorities have to do something to tackle the problems caused by globalization.

Summary on 'The Double Edge of Globalizaton' (Draft)

Globalization, leading international trade, is a double edged sword. It is the main contributor to global environmental problems . The situations are worse in those countries which do not have proper environmental laws. Due to globalization, the increase of people 's demands, countries' exports, and thus global trading cause increase in pollution. In this way, word trade acts as channel for global problems. Technologies are there to help. Unfortunately, they are not made use of. Governments fail to control the level of polluting activities, although they play an important role. Many just make superficial efforts and are ineffective.

On the other hand, globalization brings the world together by sharing the worldwide information, bringing about global awareness. As a result, the global issues are watched and concerned by everyone. In addition, studies show local industries pollute more than foreign investments. Authorities have to do something to tackle the problems caused by globalization.