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.