13.3 Environmental concerns and sustainable development
3 min read•july 22, 2024
Globalization has profoundly impacted our environment, driving increased , , and . As global consumption rises, the strain on ecosystems intensifies, creating a complex interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
International cooperation and governance play crucial roles in addressing these challenges. From agreements to efforts, nations are working together to find solutions. Meanwhile, offer hope for a more sustainable future, promoting , waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices.
Environmental Impact of Globalization
Environmental impact of global consumption
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How to mitigate climate change: Key facts from the U.N.'s 2014 report - Journalist's Resource View original
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2018 Worldwide CO2 Emissions (variwide chart) View original
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Increased carbon emissions and greenhouse gases
Expanded industrial production, transportation, and energy consumption drive emissions
Contributes to global warming and climate change (rising sea levels, extreme weather events)
Depletion of natural resources
Unsustainable extraction of raw materials to meet global demand leads to resource scarcity
Deforestation and loss of biodiversity occur as habitats are destroyed (Amazon rainforest, coral reefs)
Pollution and waste generation
Industrial activities and improper waste management contaminate air, water, and soil
Transboundary pollution affects multiple countries (acid rain, ocean plastic pollution)
Strain on global ecosystems
Disruption of natural habitats and migration patterns threatens species survival
Degradation of land and marine ecosystems reduces their ability to provide ecosystem services (wetlands, mangroves)
Economic growth vs environmental sustainability
Conflicting priorities between developed and developing nations
Developed countries focus on environmental protection while developing countries prioritize economic growth and poverty reduction
Tension between short-term economic gains and long-term environmental sustainability (coal power plants vs )
Externalization of environmental costs
Lack of full accounting for environmental damages in production and consumption decisions
Difficulty in assigning responsibility and enforcing regulations across borders allows for cost-shifting (outsourcing polluting industries)
Limitations of market-based solutions
Inadequate pricing of environmental goods and services fails to capture their true value
Insufficient incentives for sustainable practices and technologies hinder adoption (, )
Resistance to change from entrenched interests
Industries and countries benefiting from current unsustainable practices oppose reforms
Lobbying and political influence seek to maintain status quo and protect short-term profits (fossil fuel companies, industrial agriculture)
Global Environmental Governance
International cooperation for environmental issues
(UNFCCC)
sets targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction to limit global warming
established mechanisms for emissions trading and carbon offsets to incentivize reductions
(CBD)
aim for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
regulates access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources to promote equity (medicinal plants, crop varieties)
(WTO) and environmental provisions
Allows for trade restrictions based on environmental considerations to prevent harmful practices
Encourages removal of subsidies for environmentally harmful industries to level the playing field (fisheries, fossil fuels)
(IPCC)
Provides scientific assessments and policy recommendations on climate change to inform decision-making
Informs international negotiations and decision-making processes with authoritative evidence (climate summits, national policies)
Green technologies for sustainable globalization
Renewable energy and energy efficiency
Solar, wind, and hydropower offer alternatives to fossil fuels and reduce emissions
Energy-efficient technologies reduce overall energy consumption and costs (LED lighting, smart grids)
and waste reduction
Designing products for reuse, repair, and recycling minimizes waste and conserves resources