The architects of globalization have ignored the social, biological and physical constraints on their created system. Critics of globalization have noted that global free trade promotes the social and economic conditions most likely to undermine its own existence. The same can be said of the biological and physical limiting factors-especially, in the short term, the dwindling supplies of cheap energy. The effects of Globalization on environment include, but are not limited to, reduced genetic diversity in agriculture (loss of crop varieties and livestock breeds), loss of wild species, spread of exotic species, pollution of air, water and soil, accelerated climatic change, exhaustion of resources, and social and spiritual disruption.

Ways in Which Globalization Affects Environment

• Globalization has led to an increase in the consumption of products, which has impacted the ecological cycle. Increased consumption leads to an increase in the production of goods, which in turn puts stress on the environment.
• Globalization has also led to an increase in the transportation of raw materials and food from one place to another. The amount of fuel that is consumed in transporting these products has led to an increase in the pollution levels in the environment. It has also led to several other environmental concerns such as noise pollution and landscape intrusion. Transportation has also put a strain on the non-renewable sources of energy.
• Ozone layer depletion and enhanced greenhouse effect pose additional challenges.
• The industrial waste that is generated as a result of production has is dumped in oceans. This has killed many underwater organisms and has deposited many harmful chemicals in the ocean. Oil spills from oil tankers threat pose threat to marine environment.
• Due to globalization and industrialization, various chemicals have been thrown into the soil. This toxic waste has caused a lot of damage to plants by interfering in their genetic makeup. It has put pressure on the available land resources.
• In various parts of the world, mountains are being cut to make way for a passing tunnel or a highway. Vast barren lands have been encroached upon to pave way for new buildings.
• Globalization increases the vulnerability of ecosystems and societies, and the least resilient ecosystems. The livelihoods of the poorest communities are most at risk. It is important to highlight that not only does globalization impact the environment, but the environment impacts the pace, direction and quality of globalization. For example: environmental resources provide the fuel for economic globalization. Similarly social and policy responses to global environmental challenges constrain and influence the context in which globalization happens.

Ways in Which Environment Affects Globalization

• Natural resource scarcity or/and abundance are drivers of globalization, as they incite supply and demand forces in global markets.
• The need for environmental amelioration can extract costs from economy and siphon resources away from development goals.
• Environmental stress can trigger alternative technological paths, e.g., dematerialization, alternative energy, etc., which may not have otherwise emerged.
• Environmental standards influence patterns of trade and investment nationally and internationally.

The current debate on globalization has become de-linked from its environmental roots and contexts. These links between environment and globalization need to be re-examined and recognized. To ignore these links is to misunderstand the full extent and nature of globalization and to miss out on critical opportunities to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by humanity.

Way Forward

International trade in goods and ideas will and should continue, but the only form of globalization that is acceptable is one that unites nations in meeting global threats and in preserving the environments, life forms and civilizations of this planet.