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.