Lecture Notes: Globalization and Environmental Issues

Introduction

Focus on the impact of globalization on environmental issues and climate change.
Climate change recognized as the most crucial problem facing the world.
Globalization can be criticized for its negative impact on the environment.

Industrialization and Emissions:
- Increased industrialization due to globalization leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
- Increase in deforestation linked to industrialization.
Supply Chains:
- Creation of complex global supply chains increases environmental damage.
- Oil tankers and maritime exports contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
Energy Consumption:
- Rise in energy demand leads to disasters (oil spills, nuclear accidents).

Environmental Impact:
- Significant negative impact from multinational corporations, especially oil companies.
- Example: Chevron lawsuit for environmental damage in the Amazon rainforest.
Consumer Demand:
- Demand for energy drives the existence of such corporations.

Oil Spills:
- Oil spills cause long-term disruption to ecosystems.
- Examples: Tauri Canyon spill, Exxon Valdez spill, Deepwater Horizon disaster.

CFC Ban:
- Near-universal ban on CFCs led to the healing of the ozone layer.
Paris Climate Accords:
- Example of international agreement aiming for CO2 reduction and net-zero targets.
- Variability in commitments from countries, e.g., US rejoining under Biden.

Trade Regulation:
- WTO and trade agreements include environmental protection exceptions.
- Examples: Sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.
International Environmental Law:
- Customary law obligations, e.g., warning states of environmental dangers (Chernobyl case).
- Relevant treaties include the Kyoto Protocol and Stockholm Convention on organic pollutants.

Globalization has mixed impacts on environmental issues.
Positive global initiatives exist but challenges remain in enforcement and adherence.