Critical Reflection-The Next Stage of My Learning

12 weeks ago when I first had my ES1102 class, I remember my tutor giving us an in-class assignment (reflective writing) on the topic, 'My English Language Learning Journey'. It was rather tough for me back then to start writing because I haven't been doing essays and reflective writing since the age of 16 (I had my 3 years tertiary education at a polytechnic and it was not required of us to go through English modules on academic writing). However, it is now easier for me to write academically after going through so many classes of ES1102. The pre-class assignments before each lesson enabled me to understand the content of the lecture more deeply and it facilitated the process of learning. 

Writing and editing multiple drafts of my essay on 'Globalization' demonstrated to me the areas of academic writing that I am weak at. I made multiple prepositional errors in the first draft and also, my sentences had no linkage between them. It was when my tutor went through the essay drafts with me that I realised all my mistakes. I appreciate the tutor-student conference a lot as I was more aware of my weaknesses and that I know which areas to improve on as I go along. Learning to use the APA citations was also beneficial as I am also required to cite all my resources when I am doing assignments from other modules.

ES1102 module may have ended, however, my desire to further improve my English language has not. I am looking forward to taking ES1541 where I can face more challenges such as summary writing and book reviews. It was indeed a pleasant journey with my tutor, Mr Gareth and my peers. 

Essay-Final Submission

Globalisation can be defined as the increasing cross-border interaction and integration of various aspects of human activity. Based on this view of globalisation, identify one problematic area of the phenomenon and discuss its influence on contemporary society. What actual or possible means are there to ameliorate the issue you have highlighted?

Trade expansion driven by globalization has led to a rise in worldwide consumption of fiber, food and biofuel which consequently speeds up the course of environmental damage by increased transportation such as aviation, road and shipping by emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Thus, efficient transportation can contribute to economic progress but it does have adverse impacts on nature (Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 1994). According to Francesob (2010), there has been an increase of about 0.6^oC in the Earth’s atmospheric temperature over the last century. As a result of increasing international trade, transportation has now developed to be a significant contributor to climate change (Francesob, 2010) and thus, it is necessary to ameliorate the effects of global warming that has been brought about by transportation due to globalization as the emission of greenhouse gases is expected to intensify (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2013). Transport activity is likely to increase as economies grow in the near future and the over-reliance on fossil fuels will only further escalate the issue of climate change. Therefore, more efficient attempts such as the usage of alternative fuels and public transport, are required to alleviate the impacts on the environment.

Transportation is a critical factor that contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. As mentioned by Beuthe et al. (2007), almost a quarter of carbon emissions is contributed by the transport sector due to the fact that fossil fuels are used to operate nearly all the modes of transport. The demand for transport grows along with trade expansion and industrialization by permitting trade and commercial specialization. Global intervention by governments is an existing solution. Chanda (2007) reported the shrinkage of the ozone hole due to the collaborated efforts by nations and governments through the Montreal Protocol. However, global treaties are time consuming and difficult to implement (OCED, 2010). Besides, it is not guaranteed that all nations would agree to sign the treaties. For instance, the United States has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and hence the other countries that have agreed to the Protocol are making only limited efforts. Using alternative fuels such as biofuels may be more effective. Some examples of biofuels include ethanol and biodiesel (Beuthe  et al., 2007). To encourage its use, incentives such as subsidies may be implemented to encourage the use of biofuels for transport purposes. In addition, the government may also exempt fuel tax for civilians who use biofuel instead of fossil fuel for their vehicles. Moreover, manufacturers of biofuels may also be freed from tax credits to promote its production.

Besides implementing carbon taxes, the use of public transport to decrease emissions from greenhouse gases from vehicle exhaust may be more efficient and cost-effective. An easy approach would be to advertise the use of public transport. Environmental tariffs are likely to hinder the growth of economies as they elevate the expenses of yield production, stated by Parry, (1997). As a result, the rates of unemployment might increase and investments in the economy may decrease.  Public transport is thought to be ecological and it is also convenient for the civilians who do not own a vehicle. In addition, the cost of taking public transport is less expensive. From the nation’s point of view, the expansion of public transport services is similarly a cheaper alternative than the expansion of roads. Civilians may be more attracted to use public transport if there are financial incentives such as the subsidy of bus and rail passes. The government may also improving waiting areas and walking routes to aid the process.

In conclusion, the increased emission of greenhouse gases by the transportation sector is one of the main consequence of globalization. There is a definite need for solutions that can efficiently stop climate change by reducing carbon emissions and the utilization of biofuels and public transport may ameliorate this global challenge Earth is currently facing. 

References

Francesob. (2010). The Effects of Globalization on the Environment. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6301040-the-effects-of-globalization-on-the-environment

Parry, I. W. H. (1997). Reducing Carbon Emissions. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-Resources-128-co2redux.pdf

Beuthe, M., Gasca, J., Greene, D.,  Lee, D. S., Muromachi, Y.,  Newton, P. J., et al. (2007). Transport and its infrastructure. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg3/ar4-wg3-chapter5.pdf

Chanda, N. (2007). The Double Edge of Globalization. In Nayan Chanda (Eds.),Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers and Warriors Shaped Globalization. Connecticut: Yale University Press.

OCED. (2010). Globalisation, Transport and the Environment. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.oecd.org/env/transportandenvironment/45095528.pdf        

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2013). Future Climate Change. Retrieved October 20, 2013, from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/future.html      

      

Wisconsin Department of Transportation. (1994). Transportation & the Environment - Description and Review of Alternative Policies for Departmental Consideration. Retrieved October 20, 2013, from http://ntl.bts.gov/DOCS/tte.html              

Essay-Edited

Globalisation can be defined as the increasing cross-border interaction and integration of various aspects of human activity. Based on this view of globalisation, identify one problematic area of the phenomenon and discuss its influence on contemporary society. What actual or possible means are there to ameliorate the issue you have highlighted?

Trade expansion driven by globalization has led to a rise in worldwide consumption of fiber, food and biofuel which consequently speeds up the course of environmental damage by increased transportation such as aviation, road and shipping by emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Thus, efficient transportation can contribute to economic progress but it does have adverse impacts on nature (Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 1994). According to Francesob (2010), there has been an increase of about 0.6^oC in the Earth’s atmospheric temperature over the last century. As a result of increasing international trade, transportation has now developed to be a significant contributor to climate change (Francesob, 2010) and thus, it is necessary to ameliorate the effects of global warming that has been brought about by transportation due to globalization as the emission of greenhouse gases is expected to intensify (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2013). Transport activity is likely to increase as economies grow in the near future and the over-reliance on fossil fuels will only further escalate the issue of climate change thus, more efficient attempts such as the usage of alternative fuels and public transport, are required to alleviate the impacts on the environment.

Transportation is a critical factor that contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. As mentioned by Beuthe et al. (2007), almost a quarter of carbon emissions is contributed by the transport sector due to the fact that fossil fuels are used to operate nearly all the modes of transport. The demand for transport grows along with trade expansion and industrialization by permitting trade and commercial specialization. Global intervention by governments is an existing solution. Chanda (2007) reported the shrinkage of the ozone hole due to the collaborated efforts by nations and governments through the Montreal Protocol. However, global treaties are time consuming and difficult to implement (OCED, 2010). Besides, it is not guaranteed that all nations would agree to sign the treaties. For instance, the United States has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and hence the other countries that have agreed to the Protocol are making only limited efforts. Using alternative fuels such as biofuels may be more effective. Some examples of biofuels include ethanol and biodiesel (Beuthe  et al., 2007). To encourage its use, incentives such as subsidies may be implemented to encourage the use of biofuels for transport purposes. In addition, the government may also exempt fuel tax for civilians who use biofuel instead of fossil fuel for their vehicles. Moreover, manufacturers of biofuels may also be freed from tax credits to promote its production.

Besides implementing carbon taxes, the use of public transport to decrease emissions from greenhouse gases from vehicle exhaust may be more efficient and cost-effective. An easy approach would be to advertise the use of public transport. Environmental tariffs are likely to hinder the growth of economies as they elevate the expenses of yield production, stated by Parry, (1997). As a result, the rates of unemployment might increase and investments in the economy may decrease.  Public transport is thought to be ecological and it is also convenient for the civilians who do not own a vehicle. In addition, the cost of taking public transport is less expensive. From the nation’s point of view, the expansion of public transport services is similarly a cheaper alternative than the expansion of roads. Civilians may be more attracted to use public transport if there are financial incentives such as the subsidy of bus and rail passes. The government may also improving waiting areas and walking routes to aid the process.

The increased emission of greenhouse gases by the transportation sector is one of the main consequence of globalization. There is a definite need for solutions that can efficiently stop climate change by reducing carbon emissions and the utilization of biofuels and public transport may ameliorate this global challenge Earth is facing currently. 

References

Francesob. (2010). The Effects of Globalization on the Environment. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6301040-the-effects-of-globalization-on-the-environment

Parry, I. W. H. (1997). Reducing Carbon Emissions. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-Resources-128-co2redux.pdf

Beuthe, M., Gasca, J., Greene, D.,  Lee, D. S., Muromachi, Y.,  Newton, P. J., et al. (2007). Transport and its infrastructure. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg3/ar4-wg3-chapter5.pdf

Chanda, N. (2007). The Double Edge of Globalization. In Nayan Chanda (Eds.),Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers and Warriors Shaped Globalization. Connecticut: Yale University Press.

OCED. (2010). Globalisation, Transport and the Environment. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.oecd.org/env/transportandenvironment/45095528.pdf        

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2013). Future Climate Change. Retrieved October 20, 2013, from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/future.html            

Wisconsin Department of Transportation. (1994). Transportation & the Environment - Description and Review of Alternative Policies for Departmental Consideration. Retrieved October 20, 2013, from http://ntl.bts.gov/DOCS/tte.html              

                                

Essay

Globalisation can be defined as the increasing cross-border interaction and integration of various aspects of human activity. Based on this view of globalisation, identify one problematic area of the phenomenon and discuss its influence on contemporary society. What actual or possible means are there to ameliorate the issue you have highlighted?

Trade expansion driven by globalization has led to a rise in worldwide consumption of fiber, food and biofuel which consequently speeds up the course of environmental damage by increased transportation such as aviation, road and shipping, and the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. According to Francesob (2010), there has been an increase of about 0.6^oC in the Earth’s atmospheric temperature over the last century. As a result of increasing international trades, transportation has now developed to be a significant contributor to climate change. It is necessary to ameliorate the effects of global warming that is brought about by transportation due to globalization as the emission of greenhouse gases is expected to intensify. Transport activity is likely to increase as economies grow in the near future and the overreliance on fossil fuels will only further escalate the issue on climate change, thus, more efficient attempts such as the usage of alternative fuels and public transport, are required to alleviate the impacts on the environment.

Transportation is a critical factor that contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In accordance with M. Beuthe et al. (2007), almost a quarter of carbon emissions is contributed by the transport sector due to the fact that fossil fuels are used to operate nearly all the modes of transport. The demand for transport grows along with trade expansion and industrialization by permitting trade and commercial specialization. Global intervention by governments is an existing solution. Chanda (2007) reported the shrinkage of the ozone hole due to the collaborated efforts by nations and governments through the Montreal Protocol. However, global treaties are time consuming and difficult to implement (OCED, 2010). Besides, it is not guaranteed that all nations would be agreeable to sign the treaties. For instance, the United States has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and hence the other countries that have agreed to the Protocol are making only futile efforts. Shifting the use of fossil fuels to the use of alternative fuels such as biofuels may be more effective. There are many ways in which biomass can be recycled to produce biofuels. Some examples of biofuels include ethanol and biodiesel M. Beuthe et al. (2007). Incentives such as subsidies may be implemented to encourage the use of biofuels for transport purposes. The government may exempt fuel tax for civilians who use biofuel instead of fossil fuel for their vehicles. Manufacturers of biofuels may also be freed from tax credits to promote its production.

Instead of implementing carbon taxes, the use of public transport to decrease emissions from greenhouse gases from vehicle exhaust may be more efficient and cost-effective. It is complicated to reduce the contributions of carbon emissions by aviation and maritime shipping. Thus, an easier approach would be to advertise the use of public transport. Environmental tariffs are likely to hinder the growth of economy as they elevate the expenses of producing yield, stated by I.W.H. Parry (1997). As a result, the rates of unemployment might increase and investments in the economy may decrease.  Public transport is thought to be ecological and it is also a benefit provided to the civilians who do not own a vehicle. In addition, the costs of taking public transport is less costly. From the nation’s point of view, the expansion of public transport services is likewise a cheaper alternative than the expansion of roads. Civilians maybe more attracted to financial incentives to using public transport. For instance by subsidizing bus and rail passes. Improving waiting areas and walking routes may aid the process as well.

The increased emission of greenhouse gases by the transportation sector is one of the main consequence of globalization. The utilization of biofuels and public transport may ameliorate this global challenge faced currently. There is a definite need for solutions that can efficiently stop climate change by reducing carbon emissions.

References

1.       Francesob (2010). The Effects of Globalization on the Environment. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6301040-the-effects-of-globalization-on-the-environment

2.       I.W.H. Parry. (1997). Reducing Carbon Emissions. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-Resources-128-co2redux.pdf

3.        M. Beuthe, J.Gasca, D.Greene, D.S. Lee, Y.Muromachi, P.J. Newton., et al. (2007). Transport and its infrastructure. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg3/ar4-wg3-chapter5.pdf

4.       Nayan Chanda (2007). The Double Edge of Globalization. In Nayan Chanda (Eds.), Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers and Warriors Shaped Globalization. Connecticut: Yale University Press.

5.       OCED. (2010). Globalisation, Transport and the Environment. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.oecd.org/env/transportandenvironment/45095528.pdf

Reader Response - "The Double Edge of Globalization"

In his article, The Double Edge of Globalization, Nayan Chanda (2007) primarily considered the negative impacts of globalization and its resolution. Chanda’s opinion was that the sovereignty to reduce environmental damage caused by globalization relies more on effective global governance rather than non-governmental organizations even though no one is in fact accountable for it. His argument is valid since the olden times have proven that political authority have the ability to influence globalization. The idea portrayed is clear and well accounted for.

Chanda explains in the article that urbanization has led to an increase in worldwide consumption which consequently speeds up the course of environmental degradation, particularly by deforestation. Thus, the unease of the protestors of globalization is reasonable. China is a living proof. The rapid economic development of China’s industry comes together with an accelerated process of environmental pollution caused by the usage of chemicals and the burning of coal. However, the Montreal protocol demonstrated that environmental calamity can be prevented so long as countries work in partnership. New regulations can be generated to combat the detrimental effects that trade expansion has on the environment. Not all may agree to Chanda’s stand that effective global governance is the key to the solution, however, it is true that the desire for a better environment does depend on the enforcement of environmental laws.

The effective governance of South Korea towards environmental improvement is a case in point. The leaders have set up environmental organizations such as the Korea Environmental Corporation. Having been to South Korea in the previous year, it has proven to me that the negative impacts of urbanization may be alleviated with the leadership of the state leaders. Thus, I agree with Chanda that the government of each country should work together to address the global challenges. 

Summary - "The Double Edge of Globalization"

Chanda (2007) considered the pros and cons of globalization in his essay. Trade expansion driven by globalization has led to an increase in worldwide consumption which consequently speeds up the course of environmental damage, particularly by deforestation. For instance, it was observed that the rapid economic development of China’s industry in fact comes together with an accelerated process of environmental pollution caused by the usage of chemicals and the burning of coal. Global warming is another concern as it has the ability to cause “economic and social disruption” as stated by Chanda. However, the Montreal protocol demonstrated that environmental calamity can be prevented so long as countries work in partnership. The sovereignty to reduce environmental damage caused by globalization relies more on effective governance rather than non-governmental organizations to generate regulations so as to combat the detrimental effects that trade expansion has on the environment. While globalization affects the environment, it does promote awareness of its aftermaths through modern technology that possess the ability to convey information instantly. 

Summary - "Scary Oil"

High oil prices may dampen the economy although there are ample supplies. Since 2011, there has been a 25% increase in oil prices due to the fear of military dispute between Israel and Iran for the reason that political disagreement in the Middle East previously caused a rise in prices. The current decline in economy was also aggravated by its sharp increase. If there are still no agreements between both parties, U.S and Israel may have to respond in a military way to stop Iran from producing or having the ability to produce nuclear arms which could further strain the situation. U.S and Israel are joining forces for fear that a war becomes inevitable. The result of all is that oil prices would further escalate and eventually lead to a global recession particularly when economic growth is already weak.