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