Friday, September 20, 2013

Second Draft Reader Response on "The Double Edge of Globalization"


In the article, Chanda(2007) mentions that globalization has resulted on several environmental problems but nations can work together to mitigate these problems. I agree with him to a large extent. We can not deny the fact that these environmental problems are inevitable. However, I think that with the willingness to tackle these problems, we can minimize the adverse effects of globalization.

Chanda(2007) states that with Montreal Protocol been carried out, the ozone hole has shrunk. This is a good example which shows how different countries come together and effectively relieve the global environmental problems. I agree with Chanda about this point because there are a lot of evidences that show the improvements has been made. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency reported in the "Cap and Trade" that,"SO2 emissions from Acid Rain Program sources have fallen from 17.3 million tons in 1980 to about 7.6 million tons in 2008, a decrease in emissions of 56 percent." This is significant because acid rain is caused by the extensive burning of fuels from the factories which stem from globalization. In addition, acid rain is one of the main problems faced by the European and North America countries. However, there are certain limitations that hinder the cooperation of the nations. For example, the individual’s interest of the country. Chanda(2007) points out that the United States has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol. This might be because that implementing the Kyoto Protocol would lead to unemployment and other society problems. Thus the United States government is unwilling to sign it due to their personal interest. In such case, the public can step out and pressurize the government. With advancement in communication technology globally, the people are aware of these issues. Boseley(2013), the author of "From the archive, 7 September 1984: Acid rain must be tackled now, say MPs"(The Guardian), says that,"The report's main recommendation is that Britain should join West Germany,France and Scandinavia, which have committed themselves to a 30 percent reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions between 1980 and 1930." This is an evidence that the people are doing something to get the nations to work together and mitigate the environmental problems.

In conclusion, I believe that in the globalized world today, there exists some problems but all can be relieved by the nations working hand in hand. To tackle the limitation for cooperating among the nations, the people can step out but after all, it depends on the nations because the governments are those with power to make actions for a greener tomorrow.

Reference list:
Chanda, N.(2007,28 June). The Double Edge of Globalization. Yale Global Online.

Sarah Boseley.(2013,6 September). From the archive, 7 September 1984: Acid rain must be tackled now, say MPs. The Guardian

Cap and Trade.

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