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
0.6oC 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
