Globalization Essay (Final)

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

AFP News (2012, March). Singapore top carbon emitter in Asia-Pacific: WWF. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-top-carbon-emitter-asia-pacific-wwf-095433285.html

Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty (2013). A climate change solution for the people, by the people. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from
http://cotap.org/

EPA (2013). Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/global.html

NRDC (2012, July). Extreme Weather: Impacts of Climate Change. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from
www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/climate-change-impacts/

Polar Bears International (2013). Climate Change. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/about-polar-bears/essentials/climate-change