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 0.6oC 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
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