Globalization
has brought about significant benefits to the world, yet it leads to adverse
impacts on the human and animal population as well. A prominent impact of
globalization is global warming, resulting in climate change. It is essential
for both the governments and individuals to work together in promoting global
governance. There are possible solutions to combat global warming; one is the
practice of introducing incentives and increasing investment in education.
Statistics
have shown that the top carbon emitters are developed countries rather than
developing countries. In 2008, the United States was one of the top
carbon dioxide emitters, accounted for approximately 19% of global carbon
emissions. Studies have also shown that global warming causes erratic weather
patterns. During the first half of 2012, United State recorded the hottest
temperature from January to June and declared the largest drought in fifty
years, causing more than 66 per cent of the United States to be in drought by
the end of July 2012 (EPA, 2013). More
than 700 homes in Colorado were destroyed due to bushfires (NRDC, 2012). Likewise,
climate change affects animals as well. There is a likelihood of global
extinctions of endangered species like polar bears, due to rapid shrinking of
sea ice. In addition, experts have predicted that the Arctic will be completely
ice-free by 2040, if actions against greenhouse gases emission are not taken
(Polar Bears International, 2013). Some efforts to reduce emission of
greenhouse gases have been taken. Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty (COTAP)
is a non-governmental and non-profit organization founded in the United States,
with the main aim of reducing carbon footprints (COTAP, 2013). The COTAP system
of carbon offset encourage individuals to indirectly pay underprivileged farmers
through donations, for planting and maintaining trees on under-utilized
sections of their land, which is considered to be a long-term sequestration of
CO2 emission. Since 2003, the COTAP had embarked on four projects, benefitting
both underprivileged farmers and successfully offsetting CO2 emissions.
However, the program provides only a temporary solution towards alleviating
carbon emissions, as it does not solve the problem at its root cause; where
organizations continue to contribute to emission of greenhouse gases. Alternative
solutions could be that the governments provide incentives to induce private
organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set limits on the emission
of greenhouse gases. For instance, the government can introduce tax rebates for
organizations that make an effort to reduce their carbon emission. In
Singapore's context, it will be difficult to implement this programme, due to
land constraints. Nevertheless, Singapore can adopt the practice of introducing
sanctions, like fines, to be imposed on organizations in violation of the
carbon emission limit. These solutions are likely to enhance the effectiveness
of reducing carbon emissions.
Also,
individuals should not rely on the government to resolve the issue of global
warming. Everyone should play their part in doing so. Over the years,
Singapore’s government has introduced numerous policies to encourage its citizens
to reduce their carbon footprints. Some policies include the practice of 3R’s
(Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), public transportation as alternatives to driving
and encouraging energy efficient electrical appliances. Despite such intensive
efforts to reduce carbon footprints, Singapore accounted for 0.2 per cent (43
kilotonnes) of the world’s greenhouse gases, being the top emitter in Asia-Pacific
(AFP News, 2012). What could be the reason behind such high carbon emissions
despite the government’s continuous efforts in reducing carbon footprints? The
reason was that individuals felt indifferent as they failed to understand the
rationale behind the policies. Although these policies were promoted
repeatedly, the government did not educate individuals on the reasons for
complying with the policies. The effect of the policies would have been more
significant if individuals were aware of the detrimental impacts of climate
change and would be more responsible and inclined to participate in the
policies. Publicity through campaigns and media are effective channels of
communication to disseminate information to the public. In addition, education
is a crucial element of response to climate change. This could be done through
activities in schools, to engage children. It allows children to understand and
address the perilous impact of global warming, emphasizes change in attitude
and encourages them to practise global governance.. Therefore, such concepts of
practicing effective global governance should be taught to children while they
are young.
In
conclusion, the effects of global warming will be detrimental if no action is
taken against global warming. Existing solutions of global governance have been
implemented, but it is undeniable that there are limitations to these solutions.
The introduction of incentives and education are possible solutions to enhance global
governance. Thus, it is essential for the participation of both the government
and individuals in promoting global governance. If individuals are willing to
make changes in their lives, massive impact of globalization can be averted.
Bibliography
Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty (2013). A climate change
solution for the people, by the people. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from
http://cotap.org/
