It’s a small world after all
Effects of globalization on health, poverty, human rights, and the environment in the U.S and Japan.
Globalization has its effects on different aspects of a country. The major effect was seen in the health care system. The article enlightens and compares the various effects of globalization between United States of America (US) and Japan. Both are considered to be developed nations with emerging economy. However, there is a vast difference in the health and poverty system in these 2 countries. The US in early 60’s ranked 13th in terms of health in comparison to other wealthy nations. This ranking has dropped to the 25th recently. In contrast Japan has managed to keep up its health due to its consistency and management in different social aspects. The primary reason for US to be poor in its health system is the gap between rich and the poor. Corporate centered trade is one of the leading reasons for income gap. Although the country is equipped with the best of health care facilities, it lacks in proper management and supply. Japan, on the other hand is well organized and decreases the income gap to a considerable level.
Poverty is another major concern it wealthy nations. And, by poverty it means inequality between the rich and poor. In the US, there is a vast difference between the poor and the rich. The ratio between the rich and the poor is nearly 30:1, which is a major concern. The overall poverty levels in US is quite low and has substantially decreased due to rapid globalization. In Japan, income inequality has not changed over the last few decades. The major difference is due to sharing of profits in major industries and companies among the general public. In contrast, US follows a corporate centered trade. Poverty on the whole has decreased in both countries, with US having a higher income and poverty gap.
Human rights and Globalization go hand in hand. The rise in Globalization has seen a consubstantial increase in the universal human rights across the globe and in the US. Majority of the US states follow the universal human rights policy owing to a parallel track of globalization. Since most people within these states face similar situations, the focus on human rights has increased over the last decade. In contrast, Japan witnesses a lower number of human rights policies. The reason behind this might be due to lack of universal implementation of law and order in all states of Japan.
Of all the 3 factors being affected due to globalization, the environment in US and other wealthy nations has changed drastically. Pollution in the US has increased 10-fold in the past 30 years owing to rapid industrialization. The overall scenario has changed in the last few years due to stringent laws implied in the US. Government bodies like EPA regulate different laws and policies owing to different types of pollution hazards. In contrast, Japan lacks a potential governing body to look after environmental policies. There are a few laws regarding environmental pollution, but are not followed due to lack of social interest. Globalization has had positive effects in the US environmental system. Primary education and new technology have helped in reducing pollution hazards considerably. In Japan, Air pollution was a matter of concern since 10 years. However, till date the issue has not resolved due to lack of governing bodies. In this case, Globalization has a negative effect on the environment.
Diabetes is one of the major health issues in the US. Sedentary workplace and consumption of fatty and oily food being primary reasons. There has been a sudden rise in child obesity and type 2 diabetes in children. Around 25 million people were diagnosed with diabetes in the year 2010. The age group involved individuals between 20 to 40 years. The total expenses involved in the Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in the US is around $245 billion. This has brought a major concern over the US economy that has spent nearly 40% more on diabetes in comparison to the total expenses of $127 billion in 2007. Although the US might not find the expenses as a burden, but reduction in costs for diabetes interventions is a major concern.
Similarly, in Japan, the rising number of Lung Cancer has become a major health problem. Air pollution and smoking are the primary reasons for rise in Lung cancer. Approximately 300 million men suffered from Lung Cancer in the year 2012. The lack of a governing body or improper management for environmental air pollution has led to the rise in complex health issues. Japan spends most of their economy on Industries and infrastructure. There is very low concern for public health, this might have caused a rise in Lung cancer cases among men. Around $125 million has been spent in health care for lung cancer. There is no statistical evidence in the improvement of the health issue. Majority of the men are in the age group of 30 to 40 years. Mortality rate due to lung cancer has increased in the previous decade compared to early 90’s. The major challenge in Japan is to increase health care policies and improve the health management system.
As discussed earlier, Diabetes in the US and Lung Cancer in Japan are increasing exponentially. This can be curbed by implementation of health care policies, improved health care system and increasing stringency of law and order. Primary intervention is to make stringent laws in order to reduce the air pollution in Japan, In US, programs and educational fairs should be organized to enlighten the public about diabetes. Improvement in life style and implementation of exercise regime can possibly reduce the health issue. In Japan, increasing health care facilities and improving the present health care system can reduce the burden of the disease.
Although, United States of America and Japan are one of the wealthiest nations worldwide, health issues need to be improved to a considerable level.
References
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Theodore Panayotou. Globalization and Environment. Working Papers. Center for International Development. Harvard University. 2000. Retrieved from: http://www.hks.harvard.edu/var/ezp_site/storage/fckeditor/file/pdfs/centers-programs/centers/cid/publications/faculty/wp/053.pdf
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