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

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