How does globalization affect the environment Free Essay Example, 1500 words

Greenhouse gasses cause global warming by accumulating in the atmosphere where they destroy the ozone layer, thereby resulting in average increases in daily temperatures. Greenhouse emissions come from many sources, such as transportation, industrial production, and deforestation. Although these three sources of greenhouse emissions exist independent of globalization, there increase since 1970s has largely been linked to globalization, notes Ghemawat (par. 11). Globalization Increases Carbon Dioxide from Transportation Transport is an important facilitator of globalization. The increase in international trade due to globalization has resulted in an increase in transport. However, the various modes of transport used to facilitate trade between countries contribute significantly to the increase in the amount of carbon emissions in the environment. Study shows that the amount of carbon emission from roads has increased significantly since 1970 (Huwart and Verdier par. 4). Globalization has also resulted in increased transnational road transport, which is contributing significantly to the increase in the amount of carbon emissions to the environment. Nevertheless, air transport is the major transport mode that has characterized globalization in the past decade. Studies show that emissions from air transport has been increasing every year since 1990 due to increases in air transport facilitated by globalization. We will write a custom essay sample on How does globalization affect the environment or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now For instance, a report shows that greenhouse emissions from the aviation industry increased by 86% between 1990 and 2004 (McAusland 11). Today, an aviation industry alone is responsible for between 4-9% of greenhouse emissions being released into the atmosphere. Additionally, the world has also witnessed an increase in cargo transport between countries via the sea due to globalization. Accordingly, an increase in sea transport has increased the amount of greenhouse emissions from the industry. Current estimate indicates that sea transport consumes about 4% of fossil fuels consumed every year. The carbon emissions from the ships end up in the environment, where it causes havoc. Globalization Increases Carbon Emissions from Industrial Activity and Consumption The world has been witnessing an increase in international trade and investment in the past decades. Such increases have also facilitated an increase in industrial activities in various countries across the globe (Charles par. 4). However, the increases in industries are causing a major problem to the environment by increasing the amount of carbon into the atmosphere.