Globalisation positive impact on environment?

Question 1

1) economic globalisation

Answer 1

For -Enabled Green Technology and Renewable Energy

Global trade networks have accelerated the spread of renewable technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
Economic growth in countries like China, driven by globalisation, has allowed them to lead in producing green tech and reduce fossil fuel reliance.
China’s large-scale production has significantly reduced costs — solar energy prices have fallen nearly 90% since 2010 due to international competition.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and cross-border tech transfer have helped developing countries leapfrog to clean energy, aiding emission reductions.
Against: Driven Environmental Degradation

Global supply chains and industrial growth have led to higher carbon emissions; the energy sector’s CO2 emissions rose by 50% from 1990 to 2018 (IEA).
Corporations often shift production to countries with weak environmental laws, causing air and water pollution.
Rising global demand for resources like timber, minerals, and oil has fueled deforestation and biodiversity loss—e.g., Amazon deforestation for beef and soy.
The extractive focus of the global economy has worsened overfishing, soil depletion, and non-renewable resource use.
Judgement: While globalisation has helped reduce the cost and spread of green technologies, its overall environmental impact remains negative due to intensified industrial activity, resource exploitation, and pollution.

Question 2

2) political globalisation

Answer 2

For- Enabled Global Cooperation on Climate Action

Political globalisation has fostered international cooperation through institutions like the UN and agreements like the Paris Agreement (2015), where 196 countries pledged to limit global warming below 2°C.
Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions.
At COP26 (2021), developed countries reaffirmed their promise to provide $100 billion annually to help developing nations adapt to climate change.
Against: Largely Ineffective in Driving Real Action

Agreements are voluntary and lack enforcement; many countries have missed targets (e.g., U.S. and China falling short on NDCs).
The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement under Trump (2017–2021), stalling progress.
Rich nations have delayed or under-delivered financial support, worsening North-South tensions and undermining trust.
Despite political globalisation, nation-states still prioritise economic growth over climate goals.
Judgement: While political globalisation has created frameworks for cooperation, it has failed to compel decisive action or deliver meaningful financial support, limiting its positive environmental impact.

Question 3

3) cultural globalisation

Answer 3

Raised Awareness and Mobilised Global Climate Movements

Cultural globalisation has spread environmental awareness via the internet and social media.
Movements like Fridays for Future, launched by Greta Thunberg, mobilised millions globally and pressured governments and corporations at events like the 2019 UN Summit and COP26.
Companies like Amazon and Microsoft responded by announcing carbon neutrality goals, due to reputational pressure from youth-led activism.
Against: Limited Impact on Policy and Corporate Behaviour

Despite protests, governments and corporations continue to prioritise profits over the environment.
Greenwashing is widespread—e.g., BP’s “Beyond Petroleum” rebranding, while continuing heavy investment in fossil fuels.
COP26 outcomes disappointed activists: no firm coal phase-out, and financial commitments for the Global South fell short of the $100 billion target.
Judgement: Cultural globalisation has raised global awareness and empowered climate activism, but actual environmental outcomes remain limited, as powerful actors resist structural change.