Critical Reflection

Before attending the first lesson of ES1102 at the start of this semester, I was determined to learn and develop better skills in writing essay. I am always having the difficulties to translate ideas in my mind into words or even paragraphs, especially in English. Despite writing essays and reports are inevitable since my education started, I was not aware of the proper way to draft an essay and prepare thesis statement. My English essays are never in proper structure and sometimes I had no ideas how to interconnect the sentences or paragraphs. Or rather I did not give a serious thought on how important is it to be able to write a proper English essays. As 12 weeks of ES1102 had past, it was a meaningful English learning journey to me; I had learned important tips how I should write my essay, make flow between sentences and how to cite a reference. This is because I have always thought that citation was just simply copy and paste of the web link and the authors’ name. In addition, the way the lessons being conducted in an interactive discussion manner also allow the students to share thoughts on the readings with each other. Besides able to understand the same concept from the different perspective of my friends, the evaluation from peers and reviewing others’ essays also helps me to identify and learn from mistakes.  After going through the writing and evaluating of essays, I am glad that i attended this module and hope the skills that I have picked up during the lessons able to give me more confidence in writing essays and reports in the future. After this module, I will definitely continue to work on my English writing skill.

Final Draft

Climate change due to the rapid industrialization is inevitable, and is often associated with global warming, which can be defined as the increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse effect. Atmospheric gases that help to retain part of the outgoing energy to prevent over-cooling of the surface are known as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor and methane. However, the Earth environment condition would turn worse if excess heat energy is trapped within the atmosphere.

Global warming has been shown to be largely caused by the greenhouse gases. According to an ongoing temperature analysis conducted by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the global surface temperature has increased by 0.8⁰C since year 1880 (NASA, n.d). Although the differences in numbers may be significantly small, it is believed to be able to trigger consequences in weather patterns and subsequently affects the global climate. For example, global warming has caused the melting of glaciers at the poles and the average sea level has increased by 4 to 10 inches in the past century since 1990s (Natural Resources defences Council, n.d).  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that the sea level will continue to rise to about 8 to 34 inches by the year 2100 (Belin, B. et al.,n.d). Besides, due to the poor air quality, individuals are exposed to a greater risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer (World Health Organization, 2011). Study published in year 2002 estimated that 30% of childhood asthma is due to environmental exposures in America Natural Resources Defense Council, n.d.). According to WHO Air Quality guidelines, by reducing concentration of selected air pollutants, the air quality related deaths can be reduced by 15% (World Health Organization, 2011).

In addition to the natural greenhouse gases presence, more greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane have been introduced to the atmosphere due to the human activities. This has caused an imbalance of carbon dioxide- oxygen in the atmosphere. These human activities include the burning of fossil fuel and natural gas, the deforestation as well as the increased population on Earth. The burning of coal and fossil fuels for transportation, electricity and manufacturing have raised the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These gases accumulate slowly and take longer time to leave the atmosphere. Clearing of forests for the purposes of farming practices and other commercialization also contributes to as much as 30% of global greenhouse gaseous emissions (Johnson, T., 2009).

The environment provides the essential resources for the globalization, yet at the same time imposes global environmental challenges on the communities. This is where the technological solutions come into place in determining the future of globalization. Research studies have been carried out by multinational companies to create eco-friendly and greener technology, which will replace the current one that harmed the environment. For example, hybrid cars are developed that will increase the conservation and energy efficiency, resulting in lesser burning of fossil fuels thereby decreasing the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases (Natural Resources Defense Council, 2007). Alternatively, renewable energy resources such as winds, solar and geothermal can also be considered to replace the existing energy sources including fossil fuels and nuclear power that are expensive and non-environmentally friendly (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2006).

The willingness of national governments, industries, communities, families and individuals to address this global problem is a positive aspect of globalization. Action to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases could and should begin with steps taken by governments, industries and individuals in industrialized nations. The energy-intensive consumer lifestyle in the industrialized countries is the main contributor to climatic changes as these countries requires rapid development to meet the basic needs of the nation. These developed countries including Germany and UK were unable to sign the UN Climate Change Convention at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, as they could not meet their commitment to stabilize emission levels by year 2000 (Brown, P., 2012). Governments play a vital role in reducing the environmental problems. For example, international environmental agreements are in place including Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2013). United States and China agreed to cooperate with other countries to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs (hydro chlorofluorocarbons), the ozone-depleting potent greenhouse gases through the expertise and institutions of Montreal Protocol as well as reinforcement of law (US Environmental Protection Agency, 20130. In addition, studies prove that improvement in energy efficiency would benefit ecosystem, societies and economy. Hence, commercial campaigns have been organized by the governments or private organizations to encourage the awareness of the importance of the reduction in greenhouse gases emissions among the public. One of the non-governmental organizations is The Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA). They launched the ‘tck tck tck’ campaign  that aim in developing and promoting climate change adaptation strategies as well as taking serious action to tackle climate change. Organizations participating in the GCCA include, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Pew Environmental Group and World Wildlife Fund (Global Call for Climate Action., n.d.). 

The rapid globalization is accompanied with advance technological development, where information and news are easily transmitted around the world. By making use of the social media and internet, it is easy to capture the attention of people and raise their concern on the current environmental situation around the globe. For example, the increased concern by the public about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and how that would impact the world’s climate is also partly due to the instantaneous transmission of news and images of the natural disaster (Chanda, N., 2007).

The climate change issues have shown the closely dependent relationship between the globalization and the environment. Globalization has been recognized as the key contributor in clearing of forests and burning of coal to meet the increasing trade and consumption. Due to the growth of industrialization, the Earth’s environment is deteriorating and global is at risks. Despite the efforts of the organizations worldwide whom have come together to raise the awareness and knowledge of environmental issues, the extend of effectiveness is less significant as compared to the imposed global environmental challenges.

References

1.1.      Nasa Earth Observatory. (n.d.). Global temperature. Retrieved from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/decadaltemp.php

2.Natural Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). The consequences of global warming. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/fcons/fcons4.asp

3.Belin, B. et al. (n.d).  IPCC second assessment climate change 1995. Retrieved from http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/climate-changes-1995/ipcc-2nd-assessment/2nd-assessment-en.pdf

4.World Health Organization. (2011, September). Air quality and health . Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/

5. Natural Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). Asthma and air polution. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/fasthma.asp

6. Johnson, T. (2009, December 21). Deforestation and greenhouse-gas emissions. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/forests-and-land-management/deforestation-greenhouse-gas-emissions/p14919

7. Natural Resources Defense Council. (2007, July). The next generation of new hybrid cars:plugs- in hybrid can help reduce global warming and slash oil dependency. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/energy/plugin.pdf

8. Union of Concerned Scientists. (2006). Energy solutions. Retrieved from http://www.climatechoices.org/ca/solutions/solutions_energy.html

9. Brown, P. (2012, June 13). From the archive, 3 june 1992: Earth summit. the Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jun/13/rio-earth-summit-1992-archive

10. US Environmental Protection Agency (2013, September 6).Recent international developments under the montreal protocol. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol/mpagreement.html

11. Global Call for Climate Action. (n.d.). Achievements and  campaigns . Retrieved from http://gc-ca.org/gcca-home-english/

12. Chanda, N. (2007, June 08). The double edge of globalization. Retrieved from http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

Final Draft

Climate change due to the rapid industrialization is inevitable, and is often associated with global warming, which can be defined as the increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse effect. Atmospheric gases that help to retain part of the outgoing energy to prevent over-cooling of the surface are known as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor and methane. However, the Earth environment condition would turn worse if excess heat energy is trapped within the atmosphere.

Global warming has been shown to be largely caused by the greenhouse gases. According to an ongoing temperature analysis conducted by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the global surface temperature has increased by 0.8⁰C since year 1880.¹Although the differences in numbers may be significantly small, it is believed to be able to trigger consequences in weather patterns and subsequently affects the global climate. For example, global warming has caused the melting of glaciers at the poles and the average sea level has increased by 4 to 10 inches in the past century since 1990s. ^2,3 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that the sea level will continue to rise to about 8 to 34 inches by the year 2100.³ Besides, due to the poor air quality, individuals are exposed to a greater risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer.⁴ Study published in year 2002 estimated that 30% of childhood asthma is due to environmental exposures in Ameriaca.⁵ According to WHO Air Quality guidelines, by reducing concentration of selected air pollutants, the air quality related deaths can be reduced by 15%. ⁴

In addition to the natural greenhouse gases presence, more greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane have been introduced to the atmosphere due to the human activities. This has caused an imbalance of carbon dioxide- oxygen in the atmosphere. These human activities include the burning of fossil fuel and natural gas, the deforestation as well as the increased population on Earth. The burning of coal and fossil fuels for transportation, electricity and manufacturing have raised the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These gases accumulate slowly and take longer time to leave the atmosphere. Clearing of forests for the purposes of farming practices and other commercialization also contributes to as much as 30% of global greenhouse gaseous emissions. ⁶

The environment provides the essential resources for the globalization, yet at the same time imposes global environmental challenges on the communities. This is where the technological solutions come into place in determining the future of globalization. Research studies have been carried out by multinational companies to create eco-friendly and greener technology, which will replace the current one that harmed the environment. For example, hybrid cars are developed that will increase the conservation and energy efficiency, resulting in lesser burning of fossil fuels thereby decreasing the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases.⁷ Alternatively, renewable energy resources such as winds, solar and geothermal can also be considered to replace the existing energy sources including fossil fuels and nuclear power that are expensive and non-environmentally friendly.⁸

The willingness of national governments, industries, communities, families and individuals to address this global problem is a positive aspect of globalization. Action to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases could and should begin with steps taken by governments, industries and individuals in industrialized nations. The energy-intensive consumer lifestyle in the industrialized countries is the main contributor to climatic changes as these countries requires rapid development to meet the basic needs of the nation. These developed countries including Germany and UK were unable to sign the UN Climate Change Convention at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, as they could not meet their commitment to stabilize emission levels by year 2000.⁹ Governments play a vital role in reducing the environmental problems. For example, international environmental agreements are in place including Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer.¹⁰ United States and China agreed to cooperate with other countries to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs (hydro chlorofluorocarbons), the ozone-depleting potent greenhouse gases through the expertise and institutions of Montreal Protocol as well as reinforcement of law. ¹⁰ In addition, studies prove that improvement in energy efficiency would benefit ecosystem, societies and economy. Hence, commercial campaigns have been organized by the governments or private organizations to encourage the awareness of the importance of the reduction in greenhouse gases emissions among the public. One of the non-governmental organizations is The Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA). They launched the ‘tck tck tck’ campaign  that aim in developing and promoting climate change adaptation strategies as well as taking serious action to tackle climate change. Organizations participating in the GCCA include, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Pew Environmental Group and World Wildlife Fund.¹¹

The rapid globalization is accompanied with advance technological development, where information and news are easily transmitted around the world. By making use of the social media and internet, it is easy to capture the attention of people and raise their concern on the current environmental situation around the globe. For example, the increased concern by the public about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and how that would impact the world’s climate is also partly due to the instantaneous transmission of news and images of the natural disaster.¹²

The climate change issues have shown the closely dependent relationship between the globalization and the environment. Globalization has been recognized as the key contributor in clearing of forests and burning of coal to meet the increasing trade and consumption. Due to the growth of industrialization, the Earth’s environment is deteriorating and the global is at risks. One of the major consequences is global warming which will lead to various atmospheric effects on the environment. Despite the threats posed, globalization has helped in raising the awareness and knowledge of environmental issues. Organizations worldwide have come in place and play an important role in the prevention of an environmental crisis.

 References:

1.Nasa earth observatory. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/decadaltemp.php

2.Natural Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). The consequences of global warming. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/fcons/fcons4.asp

3. Belin, B. et al. (n.d).  Ipcc second assessment climate change 1995. Retrieved from http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/climate-changes-1995/ipcc-2nd-assessment/2nd-assessment-en.pdf

4. World Health Organization. (2011, September). Air quality and health . Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/

5. Natural Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). Asthma and air polution. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/fasthma.asp

6. Johnson, T. (2009, December 21). Deforestation and greenhouse-gas emissions. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/forests-and-land-management/deforestation-greenhouse-gas-emissions/p14919

7. Natural Resources Defense Council. (2007, July). The next generation of new hybrid cars:plugs- in hybrid can help reduce global warming and slash oil dependency. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/energy/plugin.pdf

8.Union of Concerned Scientists. (2006). Energy solutions. Retrieved from http://www.climatechoices.org/ca/solutions/solutions_energy.html

9. Brown, P. (2012, June 13). From the archive, 3 june 1992: Earth summit. the Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jun/13/rio-earth-summit-1992-archive

10. US Environmental Protection Agency (2013, September 6).Recent international developments under the montreal protocol. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol/mpagreement.html

11. Global Call for Climate Action. (n.d.). Achievements and  campaigns . Retrieved from http://gc-ca.org/gcca-home-english/

12. Chanda, N. (2007, June 08). The double edge of globalization. Retrieved from http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

Environmental Issue and the solutions

Climate change due to the rapid industrialization is inevitable, and is often associated with greenhouse effects and global warming. Global warming can be defined as the increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse effect, which is an essential environmental phenomenon for life. Atmospheric gases that help to retain part of the outgoing energy to prevent over-cooling of surface are known as greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane. However, if excess heat energy is being trapped within the atmosphere than needed, the Earth might become less habitable.

Global warming has been shown to be largely caused by the greenhouse gases. Studies indicate the global surface temperature has increased by 0.3-0.6⁰C over the period.¹ Although the differences in numbers may be significantly small, it is believed to be able to trigger a large impact to the changes in weather patterns and subsequently affects the global climate change. For example, global warming has caused the melting of glaciers at the poles hence it is expected the average sea levels will increase by 0.09- 0.88m in the next century. ¹ Besides, due to the poor air quality, individuals are exposed to a greater risk of heat stroke and other lung and skin related diseases. In addition to the natural greenhouse gases presence, more greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane have been introduced to the atmosphere due to the human activities. This has caused the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increase and hence, accelerates the warming of the planet. These human activities include burning of fossil fuel and natural gas, deforestation as well as the increased population on Earth. The burning of coal and fossil fuels for transportation, electricity and manufacturing have raised the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Clearing of forests for the purposes of farming practises and other commercialization also contributes to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As more trees are logged to meet the human needs, this would cause an imbalance of carbon dioxide- oxygen in the atmosphere.

Environment provides the essential resources for the globalization, yet at the same time imposes global environmental challenges to the communities. This interconnected relationship between the environment and globalization is indeed important to be optimally maintained to achieve the full potential of globalization in a more environmentally friendly way. This is where the technological solutions come into place in determining the future of globalization. Researches have been carried out by multinational companies to create eco-friendly and greener technology, which will replace the current ones that harm the environment. For example, hybrid cars are developed that will increase the conservation and energy efficiency, resulting lesser burning of fossil fuels thereby decreasing the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases to the environment. Alternatively, renewable energy resources can also be considered to replace the existing energy sources including fossil fuels and nuclear power that are expensive and non-environmentally friendly.

The willingness of national governments, industries, communities, families and individuals to address this global problem is a positive aspect of globalization. Action to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases could and should begin with steps taken by governments, industries and individuals in industrialised nations. The energy-intensive consumer lifestyle in the industrialized countries is the main contributor to the world major climatic changes as these countries required rapid development to meet the basic needs of the nation. These developed countries including Germany and UK were unable to sign the UN Climate Change Convention at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, as they will not meet their commitment to stabilize emission levels by the year 2000. Governments play a vital role in reducing the environmental problems. In face of the demands to have a better environmental quality, international environmental agreements are in place including Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer and law implementation reinforced the agreed-upon standards. There are studies that evident that improvement in energy efficiency would benefit ecosystem, social and economic. Hence, commercial campaigns have been organized by the governments or private organizations to encourage the awareness of the importance of the reduction in greenhouse gases emissions among the public. 

The rapid globalization is accompanied with advancing technology development, where information and news are easily transmitted around the world. By making use of the convenient of social media and internet, it is easy to capture the attention of people and raise their concern on the current environmental situation around the globe. For example, the increased concern by the public about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and how that might impact the world’s climate is also partly due to the instantaneous transmission of news and images of the natural disaster.

The climate change issues have shown the closely dependent relationship between the globalization and the environment. A healthy environment is required for the development of the globalization. On the other hand, the development of technology facilitates the transmittance of environment issues and hence increases public awareness in an efficient manner.

References

1.      Stanford Solar Center http://solar-center.stanford.edu/sun-on-earth/glob-warm.html

2.      David G.Hallman. Globlazation and Climate Changes http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-programmes/justice-diakonia-and-responsibility-for-creation/climate-change-water/globalization-and-climate-change

Globalization draft 1

Climate change due to the rapid industrialization is inevitable, and is often associated with green house effects and global warming. Global warming can be defined as the increased in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse effect. Greenhouse effect is an essential environmental phenomenon for life on Earth. Those atmospheric gases that help to retain some of the outgoing energy to prevent Earth from over-cooling are known as greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane are the main greenhouse gases.  However, if the greenhouse effect gets predominant and excess heat energy is being trapped within the atmosphere than needed, the Earth might become less habitable for life.

Global warming has been shown to be largely attributed by the greenhouse gases. Studies indicate the global surface temperature has increased by 0.3-0.6⁰C over the last century.¹ Although the differences in numbers may be significantly small, it is believed to be able to trigger a large impact to the changes in weather patterns and subsequently affects the global climate change. For example, global warming has causes the melting of glaciers at the poles hence it is expected the average sea levels will increase by 0.09- 0.88m in the next century. ¹ Besides, due to the poor air quality, individuals are exposed to a greater risk of heat stroke and other lung and skin related diseases. In addition to the natural greenhouse gases presence, more greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane have been introduced to the atmosphere due to the human activities. This has causes the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases and accelerates the warming of the planet. These human activities include burning of fossil fuel and natural gas, deforestation as well as the increased population growth on Earth. The burning of coal and fossil fuels for transportation, electricity and manufacturing have raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Clearing of forests for the purposes of farming practises and other commercialization also contributes to the increase concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As more trees are logged to meet the human needs, this would cause an imbalance of carbon dioxide- oxygen in the atmosphere.

Environment provides the essential resources for the globalization, yet at the same time imposes global environmental challenges to the communities. This interconnected relationship between the environmental and globalization is indeed important to be optimally maintained to achieve the full potential of globalization in a more environmentally friendly way. This is where the technological solutions come into place in determining the future of globalization. There are a lot of research has been carried out by multinational companies to create eco-friendly and greener technology, which will replace the current ones that harm the environment. For example, hybrid cars are developed that will increase the conservation and energy efficient , resulting lesser burning of fossil fuels thereby decreases the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases to the environment. Alternatively, renewable energy resources can also be considered to replace the existing energy sources including fossil fuels and nuclear power that are expensive and non-environmentally friendly.

The willingness of national governments, industries, communities, families and individuals to address this global problem is a positive aspect of globalization. The responsibilities that they take on in making conscious choices when deciding the acceptance limits of suffiency and applying energy usage in a greater efficiency, which would result in significant reductions in energy use and hence the lower of greenhouse gases emission levels. Action to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases could and should begin with steps taken by governments, industries and individuals in industrialised nations. 

 The energy-intensive consumer lifestyle in the industrialized countries is the main contributor to the world major climatic changes as these countries required rapid development to meet the basic needs of the nation. These developed countries including Germany and UK were unable to sign the UN Climate Change Convention at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, as they will not meet their commitment to stabilize emission levels by the year 2000. Governments play a vital role in reducing the environmental problems. In face of the demands to have a better environmental quality, international environmental agreements are in place including Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer and law implementation reinforced the agreed-upon standards. There are studies that evident that improvement in energy efficiency would benefits ecological, social and economic. Hence, commercial campaigns have been organized by the governments or private organizations to encourage the awareness of the importance of the reduction in greenhouse gases emissions among the public. 

The climate changes issue had shown the closely dependent relationship between the globalization and the environment. A pleasant environment is required for the development of the globalization. On the other hand, the environmental awareness of the public relies on the advanced technology to capture the attention of people and raise their concern on the current environmental degradation around the globe.

References

1.     1. Stanford Solar Center http://solar-center.stanford.edu/sun-on-earth/glob-warm.html

2.2. David G.Hallman. Globlazation and Climate Changes http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-programmes/justice-diakonia-and-responsibility-for-creation/climate-change-water/globalization-and-climate-change

The Double-edge of Globalization Thesis

In Nayan Chanda’s work in his new book “Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization”, the Double Edge of Globalization, the main idea presented by the author focus on how development of globalization affects the environment, as well as help in increasing global awareness of the environmental problems. Globalization can be defined as the expanded international trade which affected many nations in various ways; economically, politically and socially. This acceleration in globalization also promotes the emerging of technologies and ideas exchanging between different countries through communication, transportation and trade.

Globalization can contribute both positive and negative impacts on the environment. One of the examples given by the author is due to the lack of commitments of nations and ineffective law implementation, more forests are cleared to grow crops and build industries to cater for the increasing human needs, which are never ending. This gives the reader an idea it is rather a dangerous scenario when facing the threat of global warming and other environmental pollutions. Fortunately, despite the adverse effects of globalization on the environment, globalization has had a positive impact on the environment. Accompanied by the advancing technology development, there is improvement in the use of media resources to increase the environmental awareness among the worldwide nation.  

By integrating the use of social media and internet in the transmittance of information and news, it is easy to capture the attention of people and raise their concern on the current environmental degradation around the globe. From Nayan Chanda’s research, the increased concern by the public about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and how that might impact the world’s climate is also partly due to the instantaneous transmission of news and images of the natural disaster. This has allowed citizens of the world to unite and impose pressure on governments and organizations to take steps in reducing the damages caused by human irresponsibility. This suggested that globalization has assisted in improving the awareness of environment degradation which leads to the creation of sense of community among the citizens to have shared values, including the sense of belonging to protect their environment. Although it is argued that the increased pollution and natural resource depletion is mainly due to the increased economic activity and consumption, researches has shown that there is a tendency of greater financial capacity being invested in environmental protection as wealth increases. There are a lot of research has been carried out by multinational companies to create eco-friendly and greener technology, which will replace the current ones that harm the environment. For example, hybrid cars are developed that not only will economize the usage of fuel but also lower harmful gaseous emissions to the environment. Apple has also claimed that the MacBook is created using highly recycle materials and the absence of harmful materials used in other computers.

Globalization has a positive impact on the environment because it increases the awareness and encourages the technologists to take steps in protecting the environment by practicing environmentally friendly technologies and production. In addition, in face of the demands to have a better environmental quality, international environmental agreements are in place including Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer and law implementation reinforced the agreed-upon standards. This indicates the efforts of the governments in reducing the environmental problems in facing the challenge of global warming and other pollutions. 

Thesis draft: The double edge of Globalization

In Nayan Chanda’s work in his new book “Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization”, the Double Edge of Globalization, the main ideas presented by the author focus on how development of globalization affects the environment, but as well help in increasing global awareness of the environmental problems. Globalization can be defined as the expanded international trade. Although little evidence was found, multinational companies in the developing countries tend to move their operations to countries where environmental regulations are not strictly enforced. This had promoted trade which creates a demand for products and hence, more forests are cleared to grow crops and build industries to cater for the increasing needs.

Due to the lack of commitments of nations and ineffective law implementation, it is rather a dangerous scenario when facing the threat of global warming and other environmental pollutions. Although contaminating of soil and water hits the originating countries first, soon and after these adverse effects will absorbed into the atmosphere, where it becomes a global problem. The world’s top manufacturing country, China, shows a good example on how the country’s blazing economic growth, supplying cheap products to the world, has other costs too. Burning of fossil fuels, using of chemicals as well as clearing of forest not only pollute China’s air and water but also the world’s environment. This is evident by the trace analysis of the dirty air sample collected from Asia to New England.

Fortunately, the rapid globalization is accompanied with advancing technology development, where information and news are easily transmitted around the world. By making use of the convenient of social media and internet, it is easy to capture the attention of people and raise their concern on the current environmental situation around the globe. For example, the increased concern by the public about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and how that might impact the world’s climate is also partly due to the instantaneous transmission of news and images of the natural disaster. This has allowed citizens of the world to unite and impose pressure on governments and organizations to take steps in reducing the damages caused by human irresponsibility.

Governments play a vital role in reducing the environmental problems. However, the inconsistency of law implementation and ignorance of the environmental restrictions in some of the countries is making only perfunctory attempts in facing the challenge of global warming. Although no one is in charge of globalization, history shows that political power can channel or obstruct the multitude of currents that feed globalization, and lead to a change in course.