The rise of international business and it’s effect on the environment

Alison BaldwinHammondIssues in Contemporary SocietySummer 2015Globalization:

Definition SectionGlobalization 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 world’s ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than at any comparable period in history.” (Gillespie, Leflaive)

ThesisThe 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.

(United Nations. Statistics Division)

“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”)

("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 don’t include any environmental protection. Still cause a large carbon footprint

Legislation

Stricter 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

Incentives

Conclusion

Works CitedAvery, John Scales. "THE NEED FOR A NEW ECONOMIC SYSTEM: PART 6- ADVERSE EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION." Counter Currents. Countercurrents.org, 17 Aug. 2015. Web. 18 Aug. 2015.

"CBI Chief Slams Reckless Growth." ENDS (Environmental Data Services) 423 (2010): 9. GreenFILE. Web. 27 July 2015. Dean, Judith M., and Mary E. Lovely. "VOX  CEPR's Policy Portal." Chinese Trade and Environmental Degradation. N.p., 14 May 2008. Web. 17 Aug. 2015. Gillespie, Brendan, and Lefaive, Xavier . "Innovation, Globalisation And The Environment." OECD Observer 261 (2007): 38-40. GreenFILE. Web. 27 July 2015.

"What Is Globalization? | Globalization101." Globalization101. SUNY Levin Institute, n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2015.  James, Deborah. "Free Trade and the Environment | Global Exchange." Free Trade and the Environment | Global Exchange. Global Exchange, n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2015. Kearns, Kevin L. "Breitbart: China Devaluation Exposes Fragility of Globalized Economy." Americaneconomicalert.org. American Economic Alert, 15 Aug. 2015. Web. 16 Aug. 2015.

"Manufacturing Energy and Carbon Footprint." Energy.gov. N.p., 2010. Web. 17 Aug. 2015.  Pearse, Rebecca. "Climate Capitalism And Its Discontents." Global Environmental Politics 14.1 (2014): 130-135. GreenFILE. Web. 27 July 2015. "STRATEGY IN THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT." Strategy in the Global Environment. Reference for Business, n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2015. Sweeny, Glynis. "Fast Fashion Is the Second Dirtiest Industry in the World, Next to Big Oil." Eco Watch. Ecowatch.com, 17 Aug. 2015. Web. 17 Aug. 2015. United Nations. Statistics Division. Environmental Indicators. N.p.: n.p., n.d. United Nations. Web. 7 Aug. 2015.