ETVT globlisation has had a positive impact on the environment Flashcards
LOA
no its had a negative impact
structure
- economic globalization
- political globalization
- cultural globalisation
- for ec globalsation enabled green tech and renewable energy
It can be argued that economic globalisation has had a positive impact on the environment, as it
has accelerated the development and distribution of green technology and renewable energy
🌍 Globalisation’s impact on the environment:
Economic globalisation has accelerated the spread of green technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
🇨🇳 China’s role:
China has become a major producer of renewable energy technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
💡 Cost reduction of green technologies:
The global cost of solar energy has dropped by nearly 90% since 2010, thanks to international competition and investment.
💰 Foreign direct investment (FDI):
FDI and cross-border technology transfer have enabled developing countries to invest in clean energy and reduce global emissions.
- against it has led to increased carbon emissions, pollution, deforestation and resource exploitation
🌍 Economic globalisation’s negative impact:
Pursuit of wealth and growth by corporations and countries has led to environmental degradation.
🌐 Global supply chains:
International trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) have increased industrial production, raising carbon emissions from transportation, manufacturing, and energy use.
📊 Increase in CO2 emissions:
Between 1990 and 2018, the global energy sector saw a 50% increase in CO2 emissions, driven by industrial growth and trade (IEA).
🏭 Corporations’ environmental impact:
Corporations often relocate production to countries with weak environmental regulations, resulting in pollution (air, water) and environmental harm.
🌳 Resource exploitation:
Increased global demand for raw materials (oil, minerals, timber) has led to deforestation and resource depletion.
Example: Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is cleared to meet global demand for beef, soy, and timber, causing habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
🐟 Overfishing and unsustainable industries:
Focus on extractive industries has driven overfishing, soil depletion, and the mining of non-renewable resources, causing ecosystem damage.
- for politcal globalisation
🌍 Political globalisation’s positive impact:
Political globalisation has helped foster global cooperation to address climate change through international institutions and agreements.
🇺🇳 The Paris Agreement (2015):
A landmark agreement where 196 countries committed to keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries submit plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
🤝 Global cooperation:
The Paris Agreement unites nations in the collective effort to combat climate change.
💰 Developed countries’ recognition:
Developed countries acknowledged their role in climate change and pledged to help poorer nations.
At COP26 (2021), developed countries reaffirmed their commitment to provide $100 billion annually to support developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
- against political globalization regarding nation States
🌍 Political globalisation’s limitations:
While it has fostered discussions, political globalisation has been largely ineffective in compelling nations to take decisive action on climate change.
📜 Voluntary commitments & lack of enforcement:
International agreements, like the Paris Agreement, allow for voluntary commitments without enforceable mechanisms, leading to inadequate goals and lack of consequences for failing to meet targets.
🇺🇸 U.S. and China’s failures:
As of 2023, major emitters like the United States and China failed to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
U.S.: Political challenges (e.g., withdrawal from Paris under Trump) and reliance on fossil fuels hindered progress on reducing emissions.
🌍 Tensions between developed & developing nations:
Developed nations, historically responsible for the majority of emissions, have been slow to meet their financial commitments to help developing nations.
Developing countries argue that financial assistance is insufficient and delayed, leaving them vulnerable to climate change impacts.
💸 COP26 criticism:
At COP26, the $100 billion annual commitment from developed countries was reaffirmed, but widespread criticism remains over the lack of follow-through since the pledge was made at COP15 (2009).
- for cult glob led to social movements
🌍 Cultural globalisation’s impact:
Cultural globalisation has facilitated widespread awareness of environmental issues through the internet and social media, giving a platform to marginalised groups and youth activists.
💻 Global reach of information:
The rapid spread of information has democratised access to global conversations, enabling grassroots movements to thrive and increase public pressure on governments and corporations to prioritise climate action.
🌱 Fridays for Future movement (2018):
Started by Greta Thunberg, the movement spread globally through social media, inspiring millions of young people to join climate strikes.
It united activists from regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia to demand stronger action on climate change.
🌍 Influence on international summits:
Fridays for Future pushed for more ambitious climate policies at events like the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit and COP26.
It called for net-zero emissions and greater efforts to limit temperature rise.
💼 Pressure on multinational corporations:
The movement pressured companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Unilever to set climate goals and adopt green energy initiatives.
Failure to respond to the movement’s demands could lead to reputational damage and loss of market share, particularly among younger consumers.
- against social movements r ineffective
🌍 Limits of cultural globalisation:
Despite raising awareness, social movements often have limited influence over governments and corporations, who still prioritise economic growth over environmental protection.
🏭 Corporate greenwashing:
Many companies engage in greenwashing — making superficial environmental claims while continuing harmful practices.
Example: BP rebranded as “Beyond Petroleum” but still spends the majority on oil and gas exploration.
⚖️ Gap between activism & policy:
At COP26 (2021), despite global pressure from climate activists, key demands were not fully met:
❌ No firm commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
❌ No immediate phase-out of coal — only a pledge to “phase down.”
💸 Financial aid for developing nations remained below the $100 billion target.
What has driven the global cost of solar energy to drop by nearly 90% since 2010?
International competition and investment, especially from major producers like China
How has Brazil’s Amazon rainforest been impacted by globalisation?
Large portions of the Amazon rainforest have been cleared to meet global demand for beef, soy, and timber
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), how much did global CO2 emissions increase between 1990 and 2018?
Global CO2 emissions from the energy sector rose by 50%
What is the Paris Agreement and what does it aim to achieve?
It commits nations to keep global temperature rise below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and encourages Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
What financial commitment was reaffirmed at COP26 to help developing nations tackle climate change?
$100 billion annually to help developing nations mitigate and adapt to climate change
What global climate movement was started by Greta Thunberg in 2018?
The Fridays for Future movement, which began with school strikes in Sweden
How did companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Unilever respond to pressure from climate movements like Fridays for Future?
They announced new climate goals, including aiming for carbon neutrality and adopting green energy initiatives
What is an example of corporate greenwashing in the energy sector?
BP rebranded as ‘Beyond Petroleum’ while the majority of its spending still goes to oil and gas exploration
What was one key shortcoming of the Glasgow Climate Pact at COP26?
It only pledged to ‘phase down’ coal rather than ‘phase out’ coal
