Globalisation and our environment

People around the globe are now more connected than ever before. Goods and services produced in
one part of the world are increasingly available in all parts of the world. International travel is more frequent. International communication is commonplace, with information at the touch of
the button.

This phenomenon has been termed Globalisation. However, this has had a huge impact on the rate of energy consumption in the world, and has

Bigger markets can mean bigger profits, which leads to greater wealth for investing in development and reducing poverty in many countries. As economies grow, more buildings and factories are built which releases more pollution into the environment.

The rate of vehicle and air travel has increased at a vast rate, which has increased fuel consumption.
These factors have resulted in an increase of our carbon footprints, producing a direct threat to our
environment.

Facts about Globalisation

• Two billion people, living in countries in
  sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and
  the former Soviet Union, have been unable
  to increase their integration into the world
  economy. They have experienced none of
  the opportunities that globalisation offers,
  however, the consequences still impact upon their lives.
• Sea levels rise, warming temperatures,
  uncertain effects on forest and agricultural
  systems and increased variability in
  weather patterns are expected to have a
  significant and disproportionate impact in
  the developing world.
• Latest reports show that the level of carbon
  dioxide in the atmosphere – the principal
  cause of global warming – is at its highest
  level in at least 650,000 years. Furthermore, its rate of increase has accelerated dramatically over the last 10 years.