Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Benefits of Globalization

                        The benefits of globalization far outweigh the costs it may have as it leads to a reduction in poverty, increased global cooperation in combating environmental issues and an enrichment of local cultures. A reduction in poverty comes from globalization as globalization leads to trade with countries with high poverty rates which allows those countries to export goods and resources they may have so that they are able to make money and increase their standard of living. Increased global cooperation in combating environmental issues is another positive result of globalization as globalization makes it possible for countries to come together to discuss and initiate protocols to protect the environment. Enrichment of local cultures around the world is another benefit of globalization as globalization can lead to cultural diffusion which can better the lives of people living in other cultures by passing on universal ideals such as human rights and different freedoms. In conclusion, the benefits of globalization in the areas of economic development, the environment and culture make globalization a positive influence in the world today.
            Globalization is an active, positive force in the reduction of global poverty by creating trade with least developed countries. By increasing trade with countries where poverty is widespread those countries are able to export any goods and raw materials they may have which helps them to make money and therefore increase their standard of living above the level of poverty. Once these poor countries become more globalized their average income per year will surpass that of other poor countries that are less globalized. On average, poor, more globalized countries have an average per year income increase of around 5% while poor, less globalized countries have an average per year income decrease of around 1% (Thong, 1). This fact is huge for countries trying to rise above poverty. These statistics prove globalization to be a very positive force globally in the area of economic development.
            Another positive result of globalization is an increase in global cooperation in combating environmental issues. An increase in global cooperation when it comes to environmental issues results from globalization  as countries from around the world are able to come together to discuss and initiate protocols that are in the best interests of the environment. An example of countries coming together to solve an environmental problem is the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol, which was signed in 1987, was brought about after scientists discovered that man-made chemicals were destroying the Earth’s ozone layer. Since the protocol went into effect the production of the harmful chemicals has ended. As is visible, globalization has a positive impact on combating environmental issues.
            A third way that globalization is benefiting the world is that it is enriching local cultures. Globalization leads to an enrichment of local cultures via cultural diffusion. This cultural diffusion is beneficial as it can lead to a spread of universal ideals such as human rights and different freedoms. This is helpful as without globalization some countries might not have some of the freedoms that other countries take for granted such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Another way that globalization benefits local cultures is by providing them with up-to-date technology. This is beneficial as having modern technology can improve the health and well-being of a culture by providing access to proper medical care. All and all, globalization is a very positive influence on local cultures around the globe.
            In conclusion, globalization is a very positive force at play in the world today in the areas of economic development, the environment and culture. Globalization is very positive when it comes to economic development as it allows different countries that are below the poverty level to generate income and rise above poverty. When it comes to the environment globalization is extremely beneficial as it allows countries from around the world to come together to discuss and create protocols to solve problems in the environment. In the area of culture globalization is also a positive force as it allows for the transfer of universal ideals via cultural diffusion. All and all, the pros associated with globalization far out weigh the cons in the areas of economic development, the environment and culture.

Thong, Melanie. "The Benefits of Globalization." Web. 16 Feb. 2012.
            <http://www.radford.edu/~mthong/benefits_of_globalization.htm>.

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