Reader Response- The Double Edge of Globalization

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) reflects that despite the significant positive impact on the global economic growth, globalization has also resulted in major environmental problems. He critically analyzes the disadvantages of globalization and illustrated the impacts of globalization in the article by providing China as an example.

Chanda mentioned that “Accelerated burning of coal and use of chemicals to fuel the export machine pollute not only China’s air and water but the world’s environment as well”. The situation is well presented by Kim Prather of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s research. When she was presenting her research on how air in China can affect the weather in America, she pointed out that: “The atmosphere has no walls, so pollution on this side of the world can make it the other side of the world in about five days” (Blackstone, 2011). This shows how pollution in one country can lead to a world issue. In Singapore, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit a new record high of 371 on June 2013 due to foreign fires in neighboring Indonesia. The blames of the forest fires in Western Indonesian island of Sumatra were directed at the palm oil and pulpwood companies. The haze reaches hazardous level and outdoor activities have to stop, this depicts how an environmental problem in one nation can cause an impact in another nation.

Apart from the discussion on the impacts of globalization, Chanda pointed out the reluctance of nations to play a role in tackling the issues of globalization. In the article, he mentioned that “The world’s top emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States, has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and the nations that have signed it have been inconsistent with its implementation, making only perfunctory attempts to grapple with the challenge of global warming”. As actively involvement in tackling the issues of global warming requires the reduction of logging and burning of coals which would lead to decrease in economic activities, it is expected to observe the inconsistency in the reduction of greenhouse gases among nations.

However, protecting the environment requires the cooperation among the different nations. Chanda stated the importance of political power in overcoming the issues of globalization. He argued that: “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”. I agree to large extent that strong political support and cooperation between nations is essential to discontinue environmental degradation. One example of how different nations work together to promote protection of our environment will be the World Environment Day. It is celebrated on 5^th June annually to raise global awareness of the need to protect our environment and enhancement of political attention to it. It is hosted every year by different nations with different themes which enables nations to work together to tackle global challenges.

Chanda has effectively presented the concept of globalization and covered the various aspects through providing examples as illustration. In addition, the message that he conveyed is clear and practical as it allows the reader to have a better understanding of globalization and how the issues could be tackle.

Reference

Blackstone, J. (2011). Pollution from China alters weather in U.S. West. Retrieve from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57341838/pollution-from-china-alters-weather-in-u.s-west/