Negative and Positive Effects of Globalisation - Coursework Example

Globalization and Environment Name: Course: Professor: Date: Globalization and Environment Introduction Globalization has been in existence for several decades because of technological advancement. It entails economic aspects of life where raw materials are used, products are manufactured, property rights are promoted and financial exchanges take place within and across borders. A lot of resources are exploited in order to have a complete economic system. Cultural exchanges and interaction is involved where trade is practiced. The resources used, products manufactured and wastes generated have positive and negative effects on the environment. Environment refers to an external surrounding of an individual, plants and animals; both talking and non-talking partners of the environment face the consequences. Food security and reduction of soil erosion are some of the positive impacts which led to lower poverty levels especially in the third world countries. Global warming and health implications have been the results of globalization. Erosion of culture, loss of identity and adoption of new practices has been witnessed. Developed countries carry out a lot of productions and discharge wastes into water bodies while emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere causing environmental degradation (Wijen, 2012, p64). Positive impacts Globalization has changed a lot in the environment for example-: waste management. The rate at which wastes are being generated is high especially from industries and other large organizations. Technology has led to establishment of proper ways of dealing with wastes for instance-: anaerobic respiration which is applied on industrial discharges has led to generation of methane gas which is used for cooking and lighting. The amount of space for discharging the pollutants has reduced. Lagoons are used to treat effluents before they are discharged into water bodies and the land. This has brought down the impacts associated to wastes on the land and in water; therefore, water organisms do not die because dissolved oxygen does not get depleted. The principle of 3Rs was established and adopted; reduce, reuse and recycle. Many people have learnt to cut on the amount of wastes they generate for instance, institutions ensure that they print or photocopy on both sides of paper; they cut on costs of operation and cost of waste management (Wijen, 2012, p101). Reuse of waste materials like water, soda and alcohol bottles is a common phenomena. Some companies have specialized in collecting and selling to the concerned companies. Wastes are being recycled; paper is reproduced as toilet paper while plastics can be melted and molded into other materials. Cleaner production technologies were adopted since technological advancement was established. These include using resources in most sustainable manner for example water and raw materials, modification of products so that they cause less harm to the environment and use of newer technologies so that operational costs can be reduced and increase profits (Safadi, 2001, p33). Change of raw materials from those that have a lot of negative impacts on the environment, for example-: natural gas and wind energies were preferred to oil which emit carbon materials into the environment causing air pollution and accumulation of heat in the atmosphere. Technology enabled people to innovate and discover new products that have fewer effects and economize non-renewable resources. Biogas from cow dung is the cheapest way of energy production; it is clean and readily available. The equipment and machines used in producing biogas are not complicated; ordinary ones can be used hence many people who are not in a position to afford electricity can use it (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p13). Wastes have been minimized from the environment. Carbon trading is a phenomenon which has been adopted by many countries so that they can increase the amount of trees that absorb carbon. Such trees are acquired at higher prices, but when they mature they are sold; it has helped in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; therefore, global warming will be reduced. Energy saving methods was devised, for example-: energy saving stoves and bulbs; it has led to economizing energy materials hence sustainability (Wijen, 2012, p69). Improved farming methods were established since industrial revolution where new techniques and materials were developed; these techniques are less harmful to the environment. Crop rotation and contour farming were preferred to slash and burn method where a lot of soil was left bare hence being swept away by the rain and the soil left unproductive. Machines for digging, planting, harvesting and spraying plants were established; therefore, large tracts of land were tilled leading to more farm produce. Food shortage and poverty levels were reduced. Irrigation in areas that received limited rainfall was adopted; therefore, unused lands were utilized leading to increased food production. Erosion control methods were introduced which include the use of gabions and terracing; it maintained the soil, as well as, reduced siltation and eutrophication in lakes and rivers (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p22). Food materials that are fast maturing like the wheat and sorghum were developed in order to reduce food insecurity among many communities; therefore, genetically modified products were established. Several diseases and disorders which had been causing discomfort among many people were able to be treated because sophisticated machines and medication were established. Chemotherapy which is applied to cancer patients has enabled many people to survive and live longer. HIV/AIDS virus has been in existence for several decades, no cure has been discovered yet, but antiretroviral drugs were established so that the CD4 cell count could increase hence people staying alive for long (Frumkin, 2010, p347). Disaster preparedness and prediction has been possible with new technology. Weather forecasting stations have been able to launch space materials that help them in determining weather patterns. Food scarcity can be foreseen earlier and people advised to secure food and water to be used during those seasons. Floods and landslides are natural disasters which can occur unexpectedly; many ways of predicting and rescuing affected persons are in place. Policies, protocols and agreements have been established so that environmental changes are mitigated. The Kyoto protocol was aimed at cutting down on harmful gaseous emissions into the atmosphere; both industrialized and developing countries was required to sign. Environmental resources were price tagged so that users could use them sustainably. Water has been offered freely to industries, but globalization has forced people to pay for each amount they use; this has reduced on misuse. Industries and households pay for the wastes they generate. Waste collection points have been established in many households; therefore, the more wastes an individual produces, the higher the amount charged hence people have taken up on themselves to reduce waste generation. Polluter pay principle was established so that industries that discharge untreated wastes into the environment are made responsible for all the damages and pay for cleaning the mess. Summits on environmental conservation and climate change have been held in several countries to discuss on the way forward (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p18). Negative impacts Globalization has brought more negative impacts as compared to its positive effects on the environment. These impacts have influenced human, ecological, social, spiritual, economic and political functioning of the environment; both the talking and non-talking partners have been affected. Pollution is one of the major menace globalization has brought. Establishment of many industries all over the world have resulted to release of harmful gaseous particles into the atmosphere; sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogenous gases are common (McAusland, 2008, p6). Producing and manufacturing companies for example-: sugar producing companies use a lot of sulfur related products in order to produce different varieties of sugar. White grade of sugar requires maximum addition of sulfur dioxide to brown grade. These gases are emitted into the atmosphere; it mixes with water vapor in the atmosphere forming suphurous acid. More water vapor mixes with sulphurous acid forming sulphuric acid which is very harmful to human beings, animals and buildings. Sulphuric acid causes death when consumed, corrosion to roof buildings and other metallic materials. Carbon dioxide when released into the environment, it combines with water vapor forming carbonic acid which causes death and destroys other environmental constituents. Carbon materials also increase in the atmosphere. Gaseous particles when emitted into the atmosphere impair visibility. It also causes building walls to fade. Discharges from industries are being directed into water bodies which cause harm to water plants and animals. Discharge of untreated wastes into lakes and oceans causes eutrophication; a lot of algae grow because a lot of nutrients are deposited in the water bodies. Dissolved oxygen in the water gets depleted resulting in death of aquatic organisms in such water bodies (Ehrenfeld, 2003, p102). Such water bodies are deemed dead because they cannot support any life; a foul smell is released into the environment which causes harm to the entire community. Siltation is also associated with industrialization because several materials are deposited in water bodies reducing the depth and size. Oceans are mostly used as depository areas for radio -active materials because they are non biodegradable; this has interfered with the proper functioning of the oceans (Wijen, 2012, p85). Several human activities have led to destruction of ecosystems. Animals have been displaced from their habitats while others have been killed for several reasons. Rare organisms like the big five are the main target; elephants are normally killed for their husks that have a lot of money. Agriculture and settlement have prompted need for more space due to the growing population and the need for self establishment. Unused areas have been cleared so that people can get space to build homes and for agricultural purposes led; animals have been displaced causing them a lot of stress and lack of food hence most of them have become rare. Reproduction rates of such animals went down hence they ended up being extinct while others migrated, but due to unfavorable climate, they died (Ehrenfeld, 2003, p105). Loss of genetic pool among animals has also been influenced by globalization because they ended up inbreeding. McAusland (2008, p7) states that land degradation increased greatly since the era of industrial revolution because there has been need for underground resources. Mining for such resources like oil, metals and natural gas has left the environment ugly. Manufacture of sophisticated machines which could be used for mining. These activities have weakened the ground resulting into landslides and mass destruction. Many people have died while in the process of drilling and exploring for underground resources. Flooding has resulted from mining activities because several open holes were left which hold water and let it overflow; waterborne diseases increased since a favorable breeding place for mosquitoes was enhanced. Soil erosion was increased by the fact that a lot a lot of soil was left bare, and loose. The types of chemicals that are used while mining are hazardous, it leads to destruction of the atmosphere, as well as, human diseases; respiratory problems were recorded higher among people living around a mining area. The chemicals also interfered with the natural condition of the land resulting to instances where-: soil animals were killed, as well as, dilution of soil nutrients (McAusland, 2008, p15). No plants can grow in such areas; therefore, food shortages have been witnessed leading to high poverty levels and lower nutritional levels. Climate change has been experienced over the years since globalization began. Emission of carbon particles into the atmosphere has led to an increase in atmospheric temperatures. Carbon particles are released into the atmosphere from industries and from mining activities. The main source of carbon is the fossils which are found underground as the source of oil. The use of fuels contributes into an increase in the amount of carbon in the air. Ozone layer has been depleted by such harmful particles in the atmosphere (Frumkin, 2010, p351). The need for more transportation means from one place to another has also increased the use of fuel hence, a lot of carbon is emitted into the atmosphere through exhaust fumes, which also pollute the air. These carbon particles trap the sun’s rays and accumulate heat in the atmosphere; therefore, increasing atmospheric temperatures. Desertification which has been escalated by deforestation has also led to climatic change because a lot of carbon could not be trapped (McAusland, 2008, p19). Several environmental resources are non-renewable; over exploitation results into their depletion. Industries use a lot of water while-: mixing chemicals, cooling and cleaning, as well as, running turbines. More often, water has been wasted leading to limited amounts to be used by the society. Over mining of oil has led to scarcity globally, which has contributed to economic crisis globally because people do not know how to sustainably utilize the resources. High prices of oil have led to inflation rates and increased living standards that many people cannot afford hence they have resorted to improper housing and bad food. Poverty levels have been recorded lately in many countries. Forests are also non-renewable resources which must be used in a manner which is sustainable so that lives of the future generations are not compromised (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p9). Every human being in the present generation has a right to get equal access to use of environmental resources. The amounts of forests have reduced to negligible sizes because of logging, agriculture, building and settlement. In several countries for example-: Russia; logging is being practiced because people want to get a lot of money from the low priced resource. Timber from wood is used for construction. Paper producing companies have cleared several forests and emit pollutants into the atmosphere, water bodies and land. Tree act as carbon sinks, their scarcity has contributed to high amounts of carbon particles in the atmosphere; hence global warming. Forests are also water catchment areas; rivers and lakes have had reduced water volumes because there are no trees to attract rains (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p11). Soil erosion has also increased because the trees that hold the soil firmly have been cut. Aesthetic values of the environment have been disrupted by reduced forests and loss of animals that migrate because their habitats have been destroyed. Spiritual practices of many communities have been interfered. Many communities believe that forests are holy and their gods are present there; therefore, if all forests are cleared, people will not be at peace. Shrines are mostly associated with forests, which are believed by many denominations. Genetically modified organisms have been produced since the industrial revolution with the argument that such products are fast maturing hence reduces the chance of food shortage. Genetically modified products are purely made from chemicals that are harmful to human health. Even if it increases the amounts of food, there negative effects are more adverse (Frumkin, 2010, p352). Soils’ nutrients are weakened. Human beings are known to contract several diseases and disorders from such foods. Hormonal imbalances and obesity is witnessed, as well as, cancerous diseases. Exposures to certain materials like paints and heavy metals that are being manufactured and used in homes are creating havoc among people. Paints contain lead which causes cancer and other related diseases (Lofdahl, 2002, p18). Perfumes and sprays that are mainly used by many individuals on themselves, in their houses and cars is a great source of chloro fluoro carbons (CFCs) which cause environmental degradation. Global warming and air pollution is associated with CFCs. Refrigerators which are found in many homes also sources of CFCs, thus, polluting the environment. Economic crisis in several countries around the world prompted many companies to manufacture plastic products because they are cost effective. Posts, poles, containers, bags and even shoes are made of plastics. Plastics contain a lot of carbon particles which when released into the atmosphere cause pollution and accumulation of heat. Plastic materials are not durable; therefore, a lot of resources are exploited in the event of producing more to replace those that get damaged easily. Plastic materials litter around the place, increasing the amount of wastes on the environment and reducing the aesthetics. According to Lofdahl (2002, p15), a lot of cosmetic products have been produced ever since the world went high tech. Bleaching products have increased on the shelves of chemists and pharmaceutical shops. Women and men who want to change their complexion have it cheap and easy. The negative impacts associated with over use of cosmetic products include-: skin cancer due to skin pigmentation and reduction of lignin. Birth control pills have been manufactured in large amounts because there is a high demand for such products by young people and married couple who do not want to have more children. Youths tend to overuse them hence they face a lot of health challenges for example-: fertility rates reduce, hormonal imbalances, changes in menstrual cycle and cancerous diseases. Generic drugs have been manufactured that are cheaper as compared to the original ones (Frumkin, 2010, p342). The drugs may cause more harm than good to the users; they are less effective at times. Media which is primarily meant for information transmission, advertising and promotion, and networking has in the recent past misused. Many youths get exposed to pornographic materials which erode their moral values. Alcohol and drug abuse has risen because many young people find themselves being pressurized. The social set up in which many youths are brought up is compromising; their parents and mentors value alcohol; therefore they get exposed to it at an early age. Social networking has led to flirting and discussing sexual matters online by many youths; some people look for love on the internet, hence cultural erosion. Globalization is blamed for all these consequences. Sophisticated weapons and atomic materials have been manufactured and used especially by developed countries like the United States of America and Korea. Many lives were destroyed when the atomic bomb was launched in the US killing many Japanese and destroying the environment because several explosives and gases were emitted. The amount of noise generated from factories, roads and entertainment environment is too much. Most of the people working in such areas do not posses protective gear; therefore, they end up having their ear drums destroyed. Vibrations also from industrial operations pose health effects. Solutions Regardless of the positive impacts of globalization, a lot of negative effects were felt which needed immediate response to avoid further harm. The national and regional governments should ensure that industries adhere to the set rules and regulations governing environmental resources. All resources should be highly priced especially if the target group is multinational companies so that destruction is reduced. Defaulters of the laws and regulations should be punished. Adoption of renewable resources should be emphasized, for example-: utilization of wind power and natural gas so that oil reserves are not depleted; pollution levels will also be reduced. Cleaner production technology is the best option for producing and manufacturing companies because they will reduce on the amount of resources and capital they input into their systems, maximize on profits by use of advance technology and reduction of environmental impacts through product modification (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p16). International summits should be held frequently so that more emphasis is placed on the set policies and principles. Protocols and treaties can be reviewed frequently so that the set standards can meet the environmental requirements. Environmental awareness needs to be strengthened especially in developing countries; it is essential that people know atmospheric changes in one part of the globe are felt widely. In order to avoid extinction of biodiversity, the concerned government agents should ensure that they collect all endangered species from their natural ecosystems and be preserved. Some ecosystems can also be defined for habitation of animals so that their comfort cannot be interfered with (Esty & Ivanova, 2004, p4). Penalties are placed upon any individual found poaching for instance; elephants, for husks. Logging should be discouraged at all costs because deforestation leads to desertification, which contributes to climate change. Proper farming methods should be encouraged so that soil erosion is reduced; soils nutrients are maintained and farm produce are increased. Moreover, soil erosion control techniques are adopted so that siltation and eutrophication in lakes and rivers is avoided. Natural manures to be used so that impacts related to artificial fertilizers are minimized. People should be aware that genetically modified organisms are harmful products that change soil patterns and cause health effects. Companies should learn to produce reusable materials so that wastes generated are reduced. Conclusion Environment encompasses-: political, social, cultural and economic aspects. Globalization was invented with the aim of bringing positive impacts on the environment. Cleaner production methods and favorable principles and treaties were adopted. Economic improvement coupled with environmental conservation was experienced. The negative impacts associated with globalization are adverse for example-: global warming, air and water pollution and land degradation. Many disasters have been recorded in past decades. Health challenges have increased due to changes in-: lifestyles, food products and exposure to harmful materials. The worst scenario of globalization in the war between United States of America and Japanese which led to massive destructions because the atomic bomb was launched. Scientists were aware of the ethical implications associated with the atomic bomb, which led to their decision to write a petition to the then presidents to not to use it against Japanese. Environmental implications due to explosives released into the atmosphere and the destruction of people, animals and habitats were adverse. References: Ehrenfeld D., 2003, Globalisation: Effects on Biodiversity, Environment and society. Conservation and Society, 1(1), 99-111. Esty D., and Ivanova M., 2004, Globalization and Environmental Protection: a Global Governance Perspective, Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy Working Paper Series, No.0402, 3-22, from :< http://envirocenter.yale.edu/uploads/workingpapers/0402%20esty-ivanova.pdf > on 29 April, 2012. Frumkin, H., 2010, Environmental health from global to local. San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=484870. Lofdahl, L., 2002, Environmental impacts of globalization and trade: a systems study. Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press. McAusland, C., 2008, Globalisation’s Direct and Indirect Effects on the Environment, International Transport Forum, 4-25, from :< http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/10/60/41380703.pdf > on 29 April. 2012. Safadi, R., 2001. The development dimensions of trade. Paris, OECD. Wijen, F., 2012, A handbook of globalisation and environmental policy: national government interventions in a global arena. Cheltenham, Elgar. Read More