Effects of Globalisation on China - Essay Example

? Effects of Globalisation on China Introduction Globalisation has tremendous impact on the emergence of BRIC countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China as major forces in the global economy in the recent years and the rapid phase of economic development in these countries, which occupy more than 25% of the land in the world and about 40% of the world’s population with control over raw materials and manpower. This paper discusses about the effect of globalization on china. The factors to be considered in this connection are multifarious ranging from the issues of human rights, political freedom and freedom of the press to foreign exchange. The employment of huge labour force in the backdrop of globalisation is clearly a positive effect of globalization. Similarly leveraging of huge natural resources for the growth and development of the economy to be a powerful country in the world has been possible in the backdrop of globalization with economic reforms. The environmental impact due to global warming is very important from the international perspective and for sustainable development, because the economic development at the current level by exploiting the natural resources at this level is not sustainable in the long run. The Sustainable Development according Bruntland (1987) means “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (The World Bank Group, 2001) Background The Chinese economy based on state owned industrial undertakings and collective communes, was ineffective in achieving the desired economic growth in the country which aspired to become a leading international power. The economic reforms introduced during the period of Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s aimed at catching up with the developed countries gave a fillip to a system of decentralized market-based economy. Goodhart, C. and Xu, C. (1996, p. 34) state “Following the decision to open the economy, and to increase the role of market forces and reduce the burden of state subsidies on foreign trade losses (since the RMB was artificially overvalued), China began to decentralize its foreign trade and foreign exchange systems in 1979”. The country was successful in establishing the phenomenon of ‘regulated market economy’ without compromising political control of the party. Consequently the foreign direct investment into the country has grown significantly aiding the growth process over the period of time. Environmental Impact The issues related to environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions and global warming in the negotiations at the international level has gathered momentum starting from Kyoto Protocol. China being the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter is constrained to take measures in line with the world opinion and committed to 40 to 45% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 level by 2020 in the recent Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in December 2009.  Finamore (2009) states “a carbon intensity target will require each province and major enterprise to measure, report and reduce their CO2 emissions and energy consumption, year-on-year, acting as a driver for greater efficiency and renewable”. The US and China as the major greenhouse gas emitters are expected by the world community to take proactive measures in containing the greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Ark (2007) states “The world faces a global warming disaster if the United States and China do not take decisive action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, a leading economist said at the U.N. “ Evidence China Daily (2011) states that the new issue of the British "Nature" magazine published the first two studies to draw definitive conclusions that human activity caused global warming is indeed global rainfall, snowfall intensity increased, an increase in natural disasters such as floods”. Unseasonal droughts, floods and other natural disasters have been closely associated with global warming. The social and environmental consequences of the industrial activities which are long term in nature should guide the individuals, businesses and the governments for a sustainable growth considering the responsibilities of our generation towards the future generations. O’ Brien, C. (2008) states that China's largest freshwater lake is approaching pond status during the winter dry season, shrinking to 50 square kilometers from 3,000 square km during the summer. Experts believe the winter drought will continue for the next 10 years. Integrating the policies, programs and the activities at all levels for creating a positive impact on the environment deserves whole hearted attention at this juncture. Gray, L. (2010) states “The simultaneous catastrophes of flooding in Pakistan, wildfires in Russia and landslides in China are evidence that global warming predictions are correct, according to climate change experts”. More and more natural disasters are attributed are to global warming by the environmental scientists. “Two case of extreme storm event in Southeast Asia, the extreme high rainfall event in December 2006 in Southern Johor and Typhoon Vamei, are presented to consider the implications of the increased storm activities due to global warming”. (Chang. C., 2011, p. 667) The relentless pursuit of Industrial and technological growth in the name of wealth creation and employment would result into air and water pollution, depleting water table and extinction of species and imbalances in ecosystem by destroying forests beyond redemption, unless decisive actions are taken to-day. According to Reuters (2006), global warming threatens to intensify natural disasters and water shortages across China, driving down the country's food output, the Chinese government has warned, even as it seeks to tame energy consumption. As a new twist to the tale, Energy Business Daily (2011) reports “Reacting to the crisis caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, China’s decision to freeze plant approvals is threatening to boost up carbon emissions significantly’. The responsibility level on the part of the world community increases by this nuclear fallout, which threatens to increase the level of emission of greenhouse gases in future. Under these circumstances, investments and research in renewable energy need to be increased substantially to offset the serious threat to the environment in future. Also, there are health concerns involved in the climate change. Walpole, S. C., Singh, S. and Watts. N. (2011) state that despite the acknowledged links between increasing climatic changes and negative health consequences, there has been a marked lack of focus on health in the UN negotiations. Ramasamy, R. and Surendran, S. (2011) state, that Climate change due to global warming can adversely affect human health. Possible changes in the prevalence of mosquito VBD such as malaria and dengue as a result of global climate change have attracted particular attention. For the countries like China and India with huge population, providing health care services to the people has become a challenging task. Hence, there is a need for integrating policies related to health in the negotiations. Apart from these issues from health angle, rise in sea water due to global warming is the greatest threat to the countries like China with longer coastlines. Collapse of infrastructural facilities and displacement of people would cause great social and economic problems to the country. Also, depletion of ozone layer in the stratosphere mainly due to release of chlorofluorocarbons could result into serious health hazard to the humanity. This will also affect plants and marine ecosystem. Jenkins, R. (1998) states “The potential effects of an increase in UV-B radiation on the biosphere due to ozone depletion are very serious. It is fortunate the world governments have united to restrict the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons. Many of the world’s food staples would be adversely impacted by an increase in UV-B light. Because of the adverse impact of UV-B light on the productivity of phytoplankton and zooplankton, marine fisheries would be severely impacted”. Discussion “There is enough for everybody’s need, but not enough for anybody’s greed” – Mahatma Gandhi. Nilsson (2008) states “In the past, the statement (Ibid) might have been overlooked as being a somewhat idealistic point of view, but in the light of climate change, the truth becomes very evident”. The industrial revolution started in the United Kingdom was the starting point for the deterioration of the environment. The developed countries of the world have predominantly enjoyed the fruits of industrial revolution. The Asian or African countries have not played any significant role in the emission of greenhouse gases since there have been very limited large scale industrial activities or mechanized transportation in these continents. Air pollution on account of industrial activities or automobiles, water pollution by the industries and communities, depleting water table and deforestation (primarily in Asian and African countries) as well as imbalances in ecosystem due to extinction of species will affect the present and future generations. It is very reasonable for the underdeveloped and the developing countries to expect that the developed countries which were primarily responsible for such a situation in the first place should bear the burden to a greater extent. However, it is also important to note that the international negotiations are not simply representing bargains relating to the responsibility of the individual countries for their pas actions. Because, a country like china due to its sheer size in terms of land and population can’t afford to ignore the implications on an argumentative basis, since the environmental impact would be colossal to the country and its people. Also, they are not in a position stake the advantages gained in the global level in the economic and geo-political sphere for defeating the global environmental policies based on the historical evidences. Therefore, the country needs to take pragmatic approach in dealing with the emission of greenhouse gases and global warming in right spirit. It is also important that as an international power with greater influence in several countries, their active participation in implementing the worldwide environmental programs is prerequisite as on date, if they want to play a significant role politically in the international level. The growth of foreign exchange inflow from non-resident Chinese has been very impressive which also signifies the integration of China at the world level and it encourages joint ventures with these non- resident ethnic Chinese living in other countries with capital, technical knowhow and business contacts. The influence of this group, which is guided by the international opinion, in formulating the policies with regard to environmental issues cannot be ignored. The government needs to set an example to the corporate companies in formulating their strategies by implementing nationwide programs with regard to environmental protection. Kohn (2010) points out “Several ominous scientific studies have suggested that, once the temperature goes up, it will stay up for many centuries, during which the slowly warming oceans will continue to expand and sea levels will rise. The timescale for averting these risks appears to be a few decades – which means making the key strategic decisions very soon. What humankind does or doesn't do in the next 10 years could determine the course of the next 1,000 years”. The government is required to take measures for the promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among the companies and the NGOs espousing the cause of pollution free environment, environmental protection, reforestation and ecological balance. Carbon/eco labeling of the products creates awareness among the public and motivate the manufacturers to adopt environment friendly processes in manufacturing the products, and the government should strengthen the accreditation process in order to compete in the world market under globalisation. Conclusion All living organisms are interdependent for their survival, whether plants or animals. Preservation of ecological system ensures stability to the environment. Whether the country is developed or under developed, if a manufacturing process, product or its usage causes damage to the environment, the companies need to bear the responsibility irrespective of its contribution to the economic development of a country. In other words, in order to minimize the environmental impact, the corporate companies are liable to pay for the damages caused to the environment, and this should act as a powerful motivating factor for them to switchover to an environment friendly process of manufacturing. The problem of environmental pollution becomes acute when the Chinese products are competitive because of cheaper raw materials and labour. If the manufacturing facilities are shifted from the developed countries due to various factors such as availability of cheap labour, access to raw materials or wide local market, it causes severe pressure on the environment. The country has to take a balancing approach with regard to industrial development not only from the angle of its commitment to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the international forum, but also in the interest of the future generations as its stake is very high in view of its size of the population. In order to consolidate the positive effects of globalization accrued, the country needs to pursue aggressive policies in the environmental front. References Chang. C. (2011) Preparedness and storm hazards in a global warming world: lessons from Southeast Asia, Journal: Natural Hazards, Volume 56, Issue 3, Mar 2011, pp. 667-679. Springer. Climate Ark (2007) Global warming disaster looms if U.S., China don't take decisive action, 17 February 2007. Retrieved March 18, 2010, from http://www.climateark.org/shared/reader/welcome.aspx?linkid=69483 Cohn, M., 2010, Climate change is a hard sell – especially when it's freezing out, guardian.co.uk, 9 December 2010, Retrieved March 18, 2010, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2010/dec/09/climate-change-democracy-self-interest Energy Business Daily (2011) Global Warming to Increase as a Fallout of Japan’s Nuclear Disaster, 17 March 2011. 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