There is no common agreement on how globalization
can be defined, however, one can understand globalization as an ongoing
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 governments
to collaborate in addressing the issues. One of the major environmental
problems is air pollution which has increased markedly as globalization leads
to the expansion of international investments and forests have to be cleared
for industrial development and the increase in burning of fossil fuels in the
industries. In addition, globalization leads to technological advancement of transportation
and the widespread use of transports contribute to air pollution.
Air pollution is a major environmental risk to
people’s health. There are negative impacts on the health of an individual
which include eye, nose and throat irritation. In addition, it poses
significant 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 Prather (2011) research on how air in China can affect the
weather in America, reporting 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 on the Western Indonesian island of
Sumatra were the palm oil and pulpwood companies. The haze reach hazardous
levels and outdoor activities had to stop. Thus, these examples have
demonstrated how the air pollution problem in a country can affect different
parts of the world posing significant health risks to the individuals.
Moreover, it has helped to recognize the importance of addressing the air
pollution problem.
One existing solution that the Singapore government
has adopted is 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 produce by all of the industries in Singapore. Moreover, in order to set up an industry in
Singapore, industry has to comply with the pollution control requirement and
locate at an appropriate industrial estate (NEA, 2013). With legislation 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) and Singapore’s air quality is healthy, with 96% of PSI in the
accepted range during 2011 (NEA, 2013). Apart from the regular inspection of
the stationary sources of pollution, the 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 to
raise awareness about the importance of reducing air pollution so that
factories implement eco-friendly practices. In addition, incentives and awards
could be provided yearly to industries that have performed actively in
eco-friendly practices. Thus, the air pollution issue can only be ameliorated
through cooperation among the governments, individuals and companies.
Apart from air emission from the industries, motor
vehicles are another key source of air pollution in Singapore. Moreover, the 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, the NEA
promotes the use of environmental friendly vehicles through rebates and tax
incentives. In 2014, Singapore will adopt the Euro V standard for diesel
vehicles and keeping tax low to encourage the 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 the
Land Transport Authority in 2012, there was an increase in the number of
vehicles in Singapore (LTA, 2012) which contribute to the emission of gases
which leads to air pollution. Thus, one proposed solution would be to encourage
the use of public transportation. Environmental campaigns could be organized in
the neighborhood to raise public awareness of environmental issues and educate
individuals about benefits of taking public transport on the environment.
Furthermore, the public transport must remain at an affordable price to attract
Singaporeans to start or continue using it. For instance, instead of only
having the student concession rate, the government can collaborate with the LTA
to introduce adult concession cards. This can encourage the working adults to
use public transport for commuting.
In conclusion, despite the existing solutions
implemented by the state to address the issue of air pollution, cooperation and
consistent effort from the governments, organizations as well as individuals is
crucial in addressing the issue 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.
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