GlobalizationandtheEnvironment.pptVIP

Globalization and the Environment Globalization is an umbrella term for a complex series of economic, social, technological, cultural, and political changes seen as increasing interdependence, integration and interaction and interaction among people and companies in disparate locations. Positive-As an engine of commerce; brings an increased standard of living to developing countries and further wealth to First World and Third World countries. Negative-As an engine of “corporate imperialism; tramples over the human rights of developing societies, claims to bring prosperity, yet often simply amounts to plundering. Negative effects include environmental destruction. Global Environmentalism Increasing international scientific collaboration (WMO, IUCN). Increasing global consciousness of environmental problems and disasters (Bhopal, Chernobyl, burning of the Amazon) The chipko movement. Chico Mendes and the rubber tappers in the amazon Chico Mendes (1944-1988) He fought to stop the logging of the Amazon Rainforest for cattle ranching, and founded a national union of rubber tappers in an attempt to preserve their profession and the rainforest that it relied upon. He was murdered in 1988 by ranchers opposed to his activism. Led to establishment of “extractive reserves”. Environmental Gatherings of Nations 1972-Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, Sweden) 1992- UN Conference on Environment and Development-Rio de Janeiro (the “Earth Summit” 2002-World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa) Multilateral Organizations and TNCs The World Bank- large scale development loans. Now trying to be more environmentally friendly WTO-World Trade Organization. Promotes free trade among nations (and environmenteal protected frequently regarded as a “restraint on trade” (originated as GATT) TNCs-10 largest businesses in the world had revenues larger than the 100 smallest countries in the world Barrier to Free Trade? Marine Mammal