8.1. Ways in Which Globalization Affects Environment

♤ Globalization has led to an increase in the consumption of products, which has impacted the ecological cycle. Increased consumption leads to an increase in the production of goods, which in turn puts stress on the environment.

♤ Globalization has also led to an increase in the transportation of raw materials and food from one place to another. The amount of fuel that is consumed in transporting these products has led to an increase in the pollution levels in the environment. It has also led to several other environmental concerns such as noise pollution and landscape intrusion. Transportation has also put a strain on the non-renewable sources of energy.

♤ Ozone layer depletion and enhanced greenhouse effect pose additional challenges.

♤ The industrial waste that is generated as a result of production has is dumped in oceans. This has killed many underwater organisms and has deposited many harmful chemicals in the ocean. Oil spills from oil tankers threat pose threat to marine environment.

♤ Due to globalization and industrialization, various chemicals have been thrown into the soil. This toxic waste has caused a lot of damage to plants by interfering in their genetic makeup. It has put pressure on the available land resources.

♤ In various parts of the world, mountains are being cut to make way for a passing tunnel or a highway. Vast barren lands have been encroached upon to pave way for new buildings.

♤ Globalization increases the vulnerability of ecosystems and societies, and the least resilient ecosystems. The livelihoods of the poorest communities are most at risk.

It is important to highlight that not only does globalization impact the environment, but the environment impacts the pace, direction and quality of globalization. For example: environmental resources provide the fuel for economic globalization. Similarly social and policy responses to global environmental challenges constrain and influence the context in which globalization happens.