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.
