Reader Response to 'The Double Edge of Globalization'

In the article by Yale Global, ‘The Double Edge of Globalization’, the key ideas the author presented were effective in showing the countries’ unwillingness to combat global warming despite having the competency of doing so. Chanda mentioned that despite the numerous benefits globalization has impact on our lives; it poses major adverse impact as well. In my opinion, solving the environmental problems caused by globalization is not as easy as it seems, and the key concern is the willingness of countries to combat global warming. 

When Chanda wrote about global governance, he made a point on how the UN should not be blamed for its inefficiency; rather the issue was the countries unwillingness to do their part. “Rather, the root cause is unwillingness – or inability – of key actors on the global scene and their constituencies to empower the UN to a level that corresponds with tomorrow’s global realities and possibilities.” I agree with Chanda’s stand, as conserving the environment should be everyone’s responsibilities. Why should the UN be blamed? Everyone has a part to play in conserving the Earth and its resources. Nevertheless, it is of no surprise that countries are unwilling to participate in global governance, as it would lead to a decrease in economic activity.  

Chanda also suggested that political power has the ability to influence changes in globalization: “history shows that political power can channel or obstruct the multitude of currents that feed globalization, and lead to a change in course.” If the countries are willing to combine their political power to influence change, the effects of global environmental issues deterioration could be reduced. 

In conclusion, the article effectively showed the present situation of globalization; the adverse impact caused and the unwillingness of countries’ to fight against globalization. The ideas in the article were well-presented, concise and organized. It was useful in gaining exposure on the impact of globalization, its key actors and how it should be resolved.

Summary - The Double Edge of Globalization (Final)

Globalization has its pros and cons. On one hand, it leads to increases in trade while on the other hand; it results in many adverse impacts on the environment. Effects of globalization include deforestation, global warming and pollution. These problems contribute to major environmental issues such as accounting for one-fifth of global carbon emissions, floods and air pollution. Critics argue that global corporations relocated their operations to countries with weak environmental policies to avoid taxes, but the main reason for the relocation was the size of the local market. Although efforts to reduce global warming have been effective with more nations gaining awareness of globalization and the combine action in reducing ozone depletion, the United States has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, despite being the world’s top carbon emitter. The negative impact of globalization could be further minimized if the major powers of countries are willing to use both media and political influence to promote change.

Summary - The Double Edge of Globalization (Final Draft)

Globalization has its pros and cons. On one hand, it leads to increases in trade while on the other hand; it results in the adverse impact on the environment. Effects of globalization include deforestation, global warming and pollution. These problems contribute to major environmental issues such as accounting for one-fifth of global carbon emissions, floods and air pollution. Critics argued that global corporations relocated their operations to countries with weak environmental policies to avoid taxes, but the main reason for the relocation was the size of the local market. Efforts to reduce global warming have been effective, with more nations gaining awareness of globalization and combined action in reducing ozone depletion. However, the United States has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, despite being the world’s top carbon emitter. The negative impact of globalization could be further minimized if the major powers of countries are willing to use both media and political influence to promote change.

Summary - The Double Edge of Globalization (Draft 1)

Globalization has its pros and cons. On one hand, it leads to expansion of trades while on the other hand; it results in adverse impact on the environment. Effects of globalization include deforestation, global warming and pollution. These problems contributed to major environmental issues such as accounting for 20 percent of global carbon emissions, floods and air pollution. Critics argued that global corporations shift their operations to countries with weak environmental policies to avoid taxes, but the main reason for the shift was found out to be the size of the local market. Efforts to reduce global warming have been effective, with more nations gaining awareness of globalization and the successful shrinkage of the ozone hole by the Montreal Protocol. The negative impact of globalization could be further minimized if the major powers of countries are willing to use both media influence and political power to promote change.

Summary - Scary Oil

Inflation in oil prices is the main issue of the weak global economy. Oil prices have been soaring by 25% in the last 2 years. It was not caused by the lack of supply, instead caused by the fear of a war between Israel and Iran. The military conflict between the two country had been blamed for the three international recessions, including the recent 2008 recession. If negotiation to stop Iran's development of nuclear weapons fail, the US will take military action against Iran, which might result in higher inflation of oil.

Week 4 (Tues) - Paraphrasing & Summary Exercises

A3 Paraphrasing  :

According to Crystal (1997), Latin became the dominant language of Roman Empire due to the Roman's strong influence, rather than the number of Latin speakers.


B3 Summary :

Sociologist conduct research and analyze data from World Bank and United Nations, to determine the differences between people of extreme ends of the income group.


B4 Summary :

Spending too much time on Facebook results in students under-performing academically.