2nd Draft - Reader Response to "The Double Edge of Globalization"

In Chanda (2007), the “Double Edge of Globalization”, the content is mostly concentrated on describing how globalisation indirectly causes various environmental problems. However, Chanda remains hopeful that environment degradation can be still be halted with the engagement of the international community and effective global governance

Ironically, Chanda also mentions that public policy at both local and global levels has failed to reverse the effect of deforestation. According to my personal experience, this reflects the true scenario on the ground. For example, the haze problem in the South-East Asia region has continued for over a decade and shows no sign of alleviating. In fact, Singapore reported the highest record for The Pollutant Standards Index(PSI)  in June 2013 as thick smog from the forest fires in Sumatra enveloped the city  according to the article, “Singapore haze hits record high from Indonesia fires” by David Shukman (2013) as reported in BBC News.With reference to the article “5 Ase-an ministers to review anti-haze efforts” in Straits Times by Azhar Ghani(2007), these all happened despite the deforestation legislation in Indonesia and anti-haze rallying call by Indonesian president,Dr Yudhoyono. Thus, in this case, political power may be not be effective in tackling environmental issues. 

 Chanda also mentioned that many international non-governmental organizations have put in much effort in addressing many global environmental issues. In my opinion, these organisations have a bigger advantage in resolving these issues than the local government as they are not bound by local politics or customs.  Politicians may have a lot of different priorities and some of them are in conflict of each other. For example, according to an online new article “Why Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is reluctant to investigate APP’s illegal logging of ramin trees” by Chris Lang(2012), a report by Greenomics Indonesia reveals that the Ministry of Forestry knew that APP’s suppliers were planning to log ramin trees before the trees were cut but no actions were taken against them. Though this is still being disputed by the government, people nevertheless will question whether the government agency is accepting any bribes from these big firms given the history of rampant corruption in the country. However, the non-governmental organizations can engage the farmers or big firms freely and dissuade them from excessive deforestation or mining without being tempted or influenced by them.

In conclusion, local governments around the world should collaborate with international non-governmental organizations to resolve global issues as political power alone cannot stop the environment destruction caused by globalization. 

References 

Chanda, N. (2007, 28 June). The Double Edge of Globalization. Yale Global Online.
Retrieved from: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization 

David Shukman. (2013, 21 June). Singapore haze hits record high from Indonesia fires.
Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22998592 

Azhar Ghani. (2007, 19 June). 5 Asean ministers to review anti-haze efforts.
Retrieved from:http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20070506/070619-1.htm  

Chris Lang. (2007, 20 March). Why Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is reluctant to investigate APP’s illegal logging of ramin trees. Retrieved from: http://www.redd-monitor.org/2012/03/20/why-indonesias-ministry-of-forestry-is-reluctant-to-investigate-apps-illegal-logging-of-ramin-trees/

[Draft #1] Reader Response to "The Double Edge of Globalization"

In Chanda (2007), the “Double Edge of Globalization”, the content is mostly concentrated on describing how globalization indirectly causes various environmental problems. The issues presented by Chandra are quite numerous but they all boil to a single fact that there is an relentless consumption of natural resources like timber or land due to an increase in trading of goods and services.  

Chandra reiterates his belief many times in his essays that it is possible to reverse adversity of globalization if the governments take active participation in improving the situation. Ironically, Chandra also mentions that public policy at both local and global levels has failed to reverse the effect of deforestation. This reflects the true scenario on the ground. For example, the haze problem in the South-East Asia region has continued for over a decade and shows no sign of bettering despite the treaty ratified by ASE AN and anti-haze rallying calls by the local Indonesian government.

Chandra also mentioned that many international non-governmental organizations have put in much effort in addressing many global environmental issues. In my opinion, these organizations have a bigger advantage in resolving these issues than the local government as they are not bound by local politics or customs. For example, a local government has a lot of different priorities that they need to take care of and some of these priorities are in conflict of each other. If the political support for the government comes mainly from these farmers or big firms, it will not be proposing public policies against them for the sake of conservation so as to be remained in power. However, these non-governmental organization can engage the farmers or big firms freely and dissuade them from excessive deforestation or mining without the fear of any repercussion.

In conclusion, local governments around the world should collaborate with international non-governmental organizations to resolve global issues as political power alone cannot stop the environment destruction caused by globalization.