Iannou (2013) defined globalization as the social-economic, religious, political as well as cultural processes of global unification and integration. These processes lead to a unified world system. In recent years discussions on the globalization have become one of the bitterest disputes resulting in a divided world into “globalists” and “anti-globalists”.
Globalization has both positive and negative impacts reflected in various spheres of activity (Gibson, 2014). One of the disadvantages of globalization is that it promotes the emission of carbon dioxide resulting from industrial activities, and consequently, contributes significantly to global warming. Besides, globalization increases deforestation primarily because of extensive agricultural activities that convert forests to farmlands mostly among developing nations. Flora and fauna are also at a risk because industrialization causes the extinction of some species and weakens many ecosystems (Huwart; Verdier, 2013).
As it is seen, globalization has its cons, however, it has positive sides too. Global industry, capital movements, studies and innovations can contribute to “green growth.” Therefore, globalization is a useful tool in controlling environmental pollution. As a result, it helps in the fight against global changes of climate because it informs stakeholders about the cause-effect relationships and possible solutions. The processes of globalization allow investors to integrate environmental conservation aspects in development. For instance, competition among firms on a global scale tends to promote the adoption of methods that would address environmental issues. The Kyoto protocol, for example, provides a structure that encourages developing nations to adopt practices that reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses and not to stall economic growth in the process (Huwart; Verdier, 2013).
References
Iannou, A. (2013). Impacts of globalization in health. Retrieved June 17, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23823429
Gibson, N. (2014, March 26). Pros and Cons of Globalization: Controversy and Discussion. Retrieved June 17, 2016, from https://blog.udemy.com/pros-and-cons-of- globalization/
Huwart, J., & Verdier, L. (2013). Economic Globalisation: Origins and consequences. Retrieved June 17, 2016, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264111905-8-en
