Posted: March 10th, 2023
Globalization, or the process of increasingly integrating economic, political and cultural systems across the world, has had a great impact on both local and global environmental conditions. Through increased production of goods for export, increased use of air transportation as well as greater energy consumption overall (Briggs & Sharp 2018), globalization has contributed to rapid changes in climate and environmental degradation that have become more pronounced over time. The following are five common manifestations (outcomes/consequences) from globalization’s influence on the environment and climate:
1. Climate Change: Globalization has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions which is accelerating the warming of our planet. Research indicates that since industrial development began during the 1970s these emissions have increased at a faster rate than ever before (IPCC 2019). This rise in carbon dioxide concentrations has resulted in rising temperatures globally – leading to glaciers melting quicker than usual; sea levels rising; ocean acidification; extreme weather events such as hurricanes becoming more powerful as well as frequent heat waves due to higher average temperatures. All these effects can be exacerbated by other factors including deforestation which further contributes to climate change through decreasing photosynthesis capacity needed for sequestering CO2 from atmosphere (Liu et al 2016).
2. Water Pollution: Increased production for export purposes leads to increased water pollution due to wastewater containing toxins being discharged into rivers and oceans without proper treatment resulting in long term damage ecosystems within those areas (De La Fuente & Kehoe 2017). This further affects food supplies available locally when fish stocks decrease or human health when people rely heavily on contaminated water sources for their daily needs. Furthermore – water shortages often arise quickly due to increasing demand from industries tapping into existing resources while not managing them sustainably or making provisions for future needs (Tallis et al 2012 ). This disproportionately affects poorer communities who rely heavily on living off natural resources either directly or indirectly with limited access clean drinking water sources elsewhere.
3. Air Pollution: As business travel increases with globalization so does air pollution linked primarily with aircraft exhaust fumes along with petrol cars and buses used for transport within cities globally . In addition industrial processes especially burning fossil fuels release pollutants such sulfur dioxide- which are known irritants that can cause acute respiratory issues if inhaled regularly by humans as well animals alike (Fraj et al 2011 ) . Air pollution also continues worsen ozone layers around Earth leading contribute towards less effective protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted from Sun . Similarly , nitrogen oxide released from airplanes also lead form photochemical smog clouds particularly regional airports where planes take off most frequently
4. Deforestation: To meet consumer demand businesses need timber products ranging paper tissue items wooden furniture all way construction material like lumber plywood etc . That coupled large scale agricultural activities clear land planting trees crops meant purpose feed growing populations means lot trees cut down every year making land less able hold onto its soil nutrients thus contributing desertification certain regions (Reynolds et al 2008 ). Moreover forests important absorb carbon dioxide thus reducing amount emissions produced industry global basis so reduced tree cover even exacerbates already precarious situation threatening entire global biosphere balance we see today
5. Landscape Changes : Along same lines , globalization brings sprawling urban settlements different areas rural terrain changing face many landscapes significantly . As population builds up migrate city centers infrastructure public services medical care transportation etc follow suit drastically altering social economic networks regionally ultimately affecting livelihoods generations come Due development expansion informal settlements tend appear various locations prevent communities regular access basic amenities like sanitation fresh drinking facilities schools nearby centers recreation sports activities upsetting traditional lifestyles besides ongoing conflicts arising out ownership rights varying levels
In conclusion , it evident that whilst globalization bring considerable benefits worldwide terms trade opportunities expanding knowledge exchange technologies still carries some significant negative impacts environment climate especially difficult tackle due geographical location interconnectedness global economy Today’s society must strive forward find balance between progress sustainability protecting planet’s fragile state hope future generations inherit adequately healthy environment live flourish
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