Globalization is altering the
global environment. Some perceive the net ecological impact of globalization as
positive, as a force of progress and better lives. It fosters economic growth
and cooperative institutions, both necessary in the long run to manage the
global environment . It is accelerating the destructive process of too many
people consuming too many natural resources ,Without any concern for equality or
justice. Both the pro- and anti-globalization camps present persuasive data and
arguments. Globalization involves multiple and complex sets of over lapping
processes. Inevitably, there will be manifold and at times cross-cutting effects
on the global environment. It is important to highlight that not only does
globalization impact the environment, but the environment impacts the pace,
direction and quality of globalization. At the very least, this happens because
environmental resources provide the fuel for economic globalization, but also
because our social and policy responses to global environmental challenges
constrain and influence the context in which globalization happens.
Globalization has had far-reaching effects on our lifestyle. It has led to
faster access to technology, improved communication and innovation. Apart from
playing an important role in bringing people of different cultures together, it
has ushered a new era in the economic prosperity and has opened up vast channels
of development. However, globalization has also created some areas of concern,
and prominent among these is the impact that it has had on the environment.
Globalization has featured extensively in the debates on environmentalism, and
green activists have highlighted its far-reaching effects. Let me know about the
impact of globalization on our environment.
Activists have pointed out that globalization has led to an increase in the
consumption of products, which has impacted the ecological cycle. Increased
consumption leads to an increase in the production of goods, which in turn puts
stress on the environment. Globalization has also led to an increase in the
transportation of raw materials and food from one place to another. Earlier,
people used to consume locally-grown food, but with globalization, people
consume products that have been developed in foreign countries. The amount of
fuel that is consumed in transporting these products has led to an increase in
the pollution levels in the environment. It has also led to several other
environmental concerns such as noise pollution and landscape intrusion.
Transportation has also put a strain on the non-renewable sources of energy,
such as gasoline. The gases that are emitted from the aircraft have led to the
depletion of the ozone layer apart from increasing the greenhouse effect. The
industrial waste that is generated as a result of production has been laden on
ships and dumped in oceans. This has killed many underwater organisms and has
deposited many harmful chemicals in the ocean. The solution lies in developing
effective mechanisms that can check the extent to which it can impact the
environment. Globalization itself can lend support to building a better
structure which is economically feasible and environment-friendly. Globalization
is about competition, and if certain privately owned companies can take the lead
in being environment friendly, then it will encourage others to follow suit. It
is important that we put in some efforts to maintain harmony with the
environment. The survival of human race on this planet is dependent on the
environment to such a large extent that we cannot afford to ignore the
consequences of our own actions. While there is a lot of debate and discussion
on this issue, the need of the hour is to have effective policies in place, and
implementation of those policies. The people that we have chosen to represent us
have the responsibility of ensuring that the extent of damage on environment is
curtailed, if not totally prevented. Global warming and Green house effect.
After 150 Years of Industrialization, Climate Change is Inevitable. Global
warming also called climate change refers to the worldwide rise in temperatures
as the result of “greenhouse effect”. Greenhouse gases are released by
activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, and agriculture.
While the greenhouse effect is an essential environmental prerequisite for life
on Earth, there really can be too much of a good thing. The problems begin when
human activities distort and accelerate the natural process by creating more
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than are necessary to warm the planet to an
ideal temperature.
• Burning natural gas, coal and oil. Including gasoline for automobile
engines-raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• Some farming practices and land. Use changes increase the levels of methane
and nitrous Population growth is another factor in global warming, because as
more people use fossil fuels for heat, transportation and manufacturing the
level of greenhouse gases continues to increase. As more farming occurs to feed
millions of new people, more greenhouse gases enter the atmosphere. The
relationship between globalization and the environment is too complex to sum up
in a single judgment – whether good or bad. On the other hand, changes in the
composition and techniques of economic activity can lower the damage relative to
income. A sound environment is essential to realizing the full potential of
globalization. Conversely, the absence of a sound environment can significantly
undermine the promise of economic prosperity through globalization.
Technological solutions will inevitably determine the future of globalization as
well as the global environment. But they will do so within the context of global
consumption demands. Technology cannot change the demands or help us satisfy all
of them but it can, through globalization, help meet these demands in a more
planet-friendly way.