Environmental degradation is now the subject of international concern because of the cross-border effects of environmental degradation has and the impossibility that just one or a few nations can solve these problems on their own. Environmental degradation is mainly caused by deforestation. With the rapid development of industries, agriculture, housing and transportation due to globalization, rainforests in many countries have been cut down to make way for these developments. Some governments even allow deforestation to take place at a rapid rate so that economic activities such as forestry, mining and cattle ranching can generate revenue and to achieve a higher level of economic development for the country. Deforestation has also led to soil erosion, extinction of flora and fauna and the increase in flooding and haze. Haze is an air pollutant and if severe enough, may be hazardous to the health and respiratory tracts of people. Thus environmental degradation is the most serious effect out of all three as it not only put the environment at stake but also the health and the survival of the people living on Earth.
Another effect of globalization would be the widening income gap between the rich and the poor. Globalization has led to the rapid development in many countries and the spread of poverty in others. This is because developed countries experience rapid income growth as they own most of the manufacturing activities. Developed countries and their transnational corporations are able to attract investments, skilled labour and resources away from poor areas as international trade has generated much revenue for them. On the other hand, developing countries face trade restrictions put up by developed countries. They are not capable of manufacturing better quality goods that fetch higher prices. Poorer nations are only attractive for labour-intensive and low-cost ventures. The rich developed countries will prosper with better opportunities while the poor developing countries will face poverty and economic uncertainties like retrenchment. This widening of income gap caused by globalization can lead to social problems and increase tension between the rich and poor.
Globalization is also often said to have led to the loss of local cultures. It has led to the spread of pop culture across the globe which includes rap music, MTV and Hollywood movies. To many of the older generations, they often say that these cultures have influenced their youths negatively as the younger generations start to lose interest in the local and traditional culture. Older generations are also uncomfortable about the advancement of foreign culture as they perceive the globalized countries to be enforcing their beliefs, cultures and languages upon the rest of the world. This will lead to a loss of identity towards their own culture and tradition. Not only in terms of culture, global brandings and corporations have also created a largely homogenous culture across the globe. For example, global western brands such as Starbucks and McDonalds dominate the consumer market in developing countries. These corporations with their standardized methods of operation have outlets that are identical in appearance. This is therefore evident that globalization have led to a “multiplier effect” in terms of food, branding and culture.
In conclusion, environmental degradation is the most adverse effect of globalization out of all as it impacts the Earth, the environment, the economical development of the country and the health of the people on a large scale. Furthermore, the effects of environmental degradation are irreversible. Once deforestation or the burning of trees have taken place, the effects of greenhouse gases and global warming would have taken its toll on the Earth. Local cultures can be inculcated into the younger generations when they are younger so that the erosion of local culture would not be so severe. In terms of the widening of income gap between the rich and poor, it is evident that the effects of environmental degradation are more adverse in terms of comparison with the number of people being affected by. Thus we can say environment degradation is the most serious effect of globalization.
Bibliography/References:
misssnghumanities.pbworks.com/f/Globalization.ppt
- Globalization and the Environment
