Overdependence on cash crops, such as coffee, cacao, and various fruits, which has contributed to habitat loss, especially in tropical climates.Overfishing in coastal areas that include Southeast Asia, which has significantly contributed to reduced fish populations and oceanic pollution.Illegal deforestation in Brazil due to an increase in the country’s cattle ranching operations, which requires significant land for grazing.Unfortunately, overspecialization can lead to serious environmental issues, often in the form of habitat loss, deforestation, or natural resource overuse. This economic specialization often boosts productivity and efficiency. One oft-overlooked side effect of globalization is that it allows nations and geographical regions to focus on their economic strengths, content in knowing they can turn to trading partners for goods they don’t produce themselves. Invasive species: Every shipping container and vessel presents an opportunity for a living organism-from plants to animals to fungus-to hitch a ride to a new location where it can become invasive and grow without checks and balances that might be present in its natural environment.The more ships that travel by sea, the greater the chances for major oil spills or leaks that damage the delicate marine environment. It’s worth noting that approximately 70 percent of all freight is transported by ship, according to a report by the International Transport Forum. The development of such infrastructure can lead to issues including habitat loss and pollution. Habitat destruction: Transportation-especially when land-based-requires infrastructure like roads and bridges.These emissions contribute to pollution, climate change, and ocean acidification around the world and have been shown to significantly impact biodiversity. Increased emissions: The farther a product travels, the more fuel is consumed, and a greater level of greenhouse gas emissions is produced.This increased transport of goods can impact the environment in several ways, including: In the past, products were more likely to be produced, sold, and consumed more locally. One of the primary results of globalization is that it opens businesses up to new markets in which they can sell goods and source labor, raw materials, and components.īoth of these realities mean finished products travel farther now than ever before-potentially halfway around the globe.
One thing, however, is clear: Globalization does impact the environment, and typically not in a positive way. One consideration that isn’t often discussed about globalization is how it affects the environment. Others have been negative, such as increased income inequality and substandard working conditions in developing countries that produce goods for wealthier nations. Some have been positive, such as increased international cooperation and less international aggression. Globalization-defined in the online course Global Business as the increased flow of goods, services, capital, people, and ideas across international boundaries-has brought many changes in its wake.