There is no common
agreement on how we can define globalization, however, one can understand
globalization as an on-going process of global integration that includes
economic integration through trade, investment and capital flows, political
interaction, information technology and culture (Panayotou, 2000). Despite the
significant positive impacts that globalization has had on the global economic
growth, globalization has also resulted in major environmental problems which
require individuals and the government to collaborate in addressing the issues.
One of the major environmental problems is air pollution. Air pollution has
increased markedly as globalization leads to the expansion of international
investments whereby forests have to be cleared for industrial development and
the increased in burning of fossil fuels in the industries. In addition,
globalization leads to the improved technology in transportation, whereby there
is widespread use of transports which contribute to air pollution.
Air pollution is a
major environmental risk to our health. There are negative impacts on the
health of an individual which include eye, nose and throat irritation. In
addition, it poses health risk to people with chronic heart or lung disease,
such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
(Ministry of Health, 2013). Referring to Kim Prather’s 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). In
Singapore, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit a new record high of 371
during June 2013 due to foreign fires in neighbouring Indonesia. The culprits
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 had to stop. Thus, these examples have demonstrated how air pollution
problem in a country can affect different parts of the world, posing
significant health risks to the individuals. Moreover, it has helped us to
recognize the importance of addressing the air pollution problem.
One existing solution
that the Singapore government has adopted is by implementing a comprehensive
approach in working towards clean air. The Environmental Pollution Control Act (EPCA)
was implemented in 1999 to control air pollution from industrial sources. The
National Environment Agency (NEA) inspects regularly to assess and evaluate the
pollution impact by the industries. Moreover, in order to set up an industry in
Singapore, the proposed industry has to comply with the pollution control
requirement and locate at an appropriate industrial estate (NEA, 2013). With
legislations such as EPCA in Singapore, it has effectively helped to reduce
industries such as food processing, cement works and sawmills which are harmful
to our environment (Koh, 2002). Singapore’s air quality is good, with 96% of
PSI in the good range during 2011 (NEA, 2013). Apart from the regular
inspection of the stationary sources of pollution, NEA should impose fines on
factories which have emitted harmful gases to the environment. Representatives
from NEA could reach out to the employees as well as the top management of the
factories in Singapore to raise awareness on the importance of reducing air
pollution so that factories would implement eco-friendly practices. In addition,
incentives and awards could be provided yearly to industries that have
performed actively in eco-friendly practices. Thus, air pollution issue can
only be ameliorated through cooperation among the government, individuals and
companies.
Apart from air emission
from the industries, motor vehicle is another key source of air pollution in
Singapore. NEA standardizes the quality and type of fuel that can be used in Singapore
to control the emission of harmful gases created by vehicles. In addition, NEA promotes
the use of environment friendly vehicles through rebates and tax incentives. In
2014, Singapore will adopt the Euro V standard for diesel vehicles and the keeping
the tax low for encouraging earlier adoption of cleaner diesel technology (Tan,
2012). Controlling the emission of harmful gases through standardizing the
quality and type of fuel that can be used is effective to a certain extent.
However, according to the study conducted by Land Transport Authority in 2012,
there are increases in the number of vehicles in Singapore (LTA, 2012). The
increases in the number of vehicles contribute to the exhaust of gases which
leads to air pollution. Thus, one proposed solution would be to encourage the
use of public transportation. It is important to educate individuals about the
benefits of taking public transports on the environment. Environmental
campaigns could be organised in the neighbourhood to raise public awareness of
environmental issues. Furthermore, the public transport must be remained at an
affordable price to attract Singaporeans to starting or continue using it. For
instance, instead of only having student concession rate, the government can
collaborate with LTA to introduce adult concession card. This can encourage the
working adults to use public transport when they go for work.
In conclusion, despite
the existing solutions implemented by the state to address the issue of air
pollution, cooperation and consistent effort from the government, organization
as well as the individuals is crucial in addressing the issue of air pollution
which is one of the negative impacts of globalization.
References
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/
Koh, K.L. (2002). A Singapore Case Study: Cleaning Up Air
Pollution in a Generation. Retrieved from http://law.nus.edu.sg/apcel/publications/pub/kohkhenglian/Singapore_Clean_Air.pdf
Land Transport
Authority. (2012). Singapore Land Transport Statistic in Brief. Retrieved from http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltaweb/corp/PublicationsResearch/files/FactsandFigures/Stats_in_Brief_2012.pdf
Ministry of Health.
(2013). Frequently asked question on Haze. Retrieved from http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/Current_Issues/2013/haze/frequently-asked-questions--faqs--on-haze-and-your-health.html
Panayotou, T. (2000).
Globalization and environment. Retrieved from http://www.hks.harvard.edu/var/ezp_site/storage/fckeditor/file/pdfs/centers-programs/centers/cid/publications/faculty/wp/053.pdf
National Environment
Agency. (2013). Air Quality and Target. Retrieved from http://app2.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution
Tan, C. (2012, February
18). Tax for greener diesel cars slashed. The Straits Times.
