Sunday, 22 September 2013

Week 6 Reader Response (Final)

In Nayan Chanda’s article “The Double Edge of Globalisation”, the author mentioned that increased international trading incurs negative impacts to the environment, but it also gains widespread attention from the public. I would like to pinpoint one of his arguments, that the largest factor contributing to the current situation is the inefficiency of current system in controlling the situation, that crucial world forces are either reluctant or incompetent to devote their power. I do agree to this point, although we cannot solely blame the inefficiency of world governance for the effects of globalisation.

It is always a matter of choice when it comes to the decision of policies, and in this case the decision is between economy and environment. Standing on the government’s position, it is understandable that they choose the economy growth over the protection of environment, because it affects the living of people in the nation. Moreover, if anyone is to be blamed for environmental problems, ordinary people like us are also largely responsible since the use of electric equipment such as refrigerator and air-conditioners produce large amount of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which depletes the ozone layer. However, although it is understandable, it does not mean that the decision is necessarily justifiable. The government is indeed still responsible for the control of environmental damages, since they possess the power to implement policies in limiting the destruction caused, such as setting a cap for every logging companies based on their size, or subsidise factories for more environmentally friendly technologies of productions.


In conclusion, crucial world forces do possess decisive power in controlling environmentally related activities, but speaking of responsibility, every person regardless of social status is liable for environment issues.

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