Environmental Consequences of Globalisation A graph showing Amazon

Environmental Consequences of Globalisation

A graph showing Amazon rainforest destruction from 1988 2003 Source: Nasa Starter: Write 3 comparative statements about this graph

Consequences of globalisation • Last lesson we mentioned the moral and social consequences of globalisation which obviously impacts millions of people in developing countries • However, as countries try to develop economically, the environment is unfortunately the expense that is paid

The above photos show just some examples of environmental damage through globalisation, however its not just the problems caused in developing countries through their own actions, but the problems are also forced on them through the actions of developed countries

Deforestation • Rainforest exploitation occurs due to developing countries trying to repay international debts, and to try to become more developed through earning money • Also developed countries are looking to the rainforest as resources are becoming more scarce • Deforestation is an environmental disaster due to the exploitation of rainforest resources: – – Hardwood trees such as mahogany Oil Gold Cattle ranching

Environmental consequences of deforestation Deforestation (particularly in Central and South America) occurs because of… Indonesia and Brazil… …are third and fourth largest emitters of GHGs through burning rainforests By removing the rainforests… Burning forests accounts for… …ecosystem destruction, rapid run off from rainfall leading to floods, increased soil erosion and drought through the rainforest water cycle being disrupted Deforestation leads to… …the world loses a huge carbon sink … 25% of global carbon emissions (second behind burning fossil fuels). One days burning accounts for 8 million people across the Atlantic …cattle ranches, banana plantations, small farms and exporting hard woods. Central America has lost around 410, 000 km 2 by 1980

Other environmental impacts • Oil spills • Pollution in towns and cities through more and more cars on the roads • Pollution of water sources through over abstraction and industrial waste • General waste as a result of consumer living

Social impacts of environmental costs of globalisation • How can we link environmental consequences to social costs?