Globalization:

The rise of
international
business and
its effect on
the
environment

Alison Baldwin
Hammond
Issues in Contemporary Society
Summer 2015

Definition
Section
Globalization is a process
of interaction and
integration among the
people, companies, and
governments of different
nations, a process driven by
international trade and
investment and aided by
information technology. (What
is Globalization)

Over the last 50 years, humans have changed the

worlds ecosystems more rapidly and extensively
than at any comparable period in history. (Gillespie,
Leflaive)

Thesis
The expansion of global business has done incredible
damage to the environment due to irresponsible business
decisions that were made with only short-term financial
benefits in mind.
While this damage may not be reversible, there are steps we
can take to stop further damage by increasing legislation
globally through holding countries responsible for their
pollution and output. While also using financial incentives for
companies who are manufacturing and sourcing their goods
globally to use environmentally sustainable methods.

Globalization, foreign ownership of companies and excessive

executive pay have created an obsession with maximizing
shareholder value at the expense of communities and the
environment. (CBI Chief Slams Reckless Growth)

(United Nations. Statistics Division)

("Manufacturing Energy and Carbon Footprint.)

("Manufacturing Energy and Carbon

Footprint.)

Free Trade?
Pros:
Freer trade reduced industrial water pollution in China
Trade liberalization leads to higher incomes and incentives for
companies to pursue cleaner methods of production also rise.
Cons:
Trade agreements are usually written with business in mind
and often dont include any environmental protection.
Still cause a large carbon footprint

Legislatio
n
Stricter

Incentives

laws on air, water and soil pollution for

manufacturing companies.
Enforce cleaner methods of transporting goods
from manufacturer to buyer.
Link executive compensation to the
companies performance in Dow Jones
Sustainability Index.
Tax write offs for lowering your footprint

Conclusion

Works Cited
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Gillespie, Brendan, and Lefaive, Xavier . "Innovation, Globalisation And The Environment." OECD Observer 261 (2007): 38-40.
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