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.