Environmental Issues and Globalization

Environmental Issues and Globalization

• Globalization has led to increased industrialization, trade, and economic activity
• These activities can cause pollution, climate change, deforestation, and resource depletion
• Actions in one country can have global effects ex greenhouse gas emissions/ ocean pollution

Air Pollution and Climate Change

• Air pollution comes from the emission of greenhouse gases (CO2, methane)
• Burning fossil fuels in transportation, industry, and electricity generation leads to air pollution
• Natural sources of air pollution: volcanic eruptions and wildfires
• Air pollution can come from industrial pollutants such as mercury and lead
• Agricultural activities like pesticide use and livestock methane emission pollute air

Effects of Air Pollution

• Smog forms when UV radiation combines with air pollutants and high heat, reduces visibility and causes health issues
• Greenhouse gases trapped in the atmosphere lead to climate change, which raises global temperatures
• Extreme weather conditions like increased flooding, storms, and rising sea levels are effects of air pollution
• Respiratory diseases, eye irritation, and cancer risks are all health impacts of air pollution

Solutions to Air Pollution

• Reducing fossil fuels in transportation, manufacturing, and power generation could prevent air pollution
• Investing in renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) helps prevent air pollution
• Implementing stricter air quality regulations and emissions controls would help prevent air pollution
• Promoting public transportation and energy-efficient technologies helps limit air pollution

The Effects of Climate Change

• Rising global temperatures cause heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires
• Melting polar ice caps raises sea levels, impacting coastal cities and ecosystems
• Changes in temperature and habitat destruction lead to a loss of biodiversity
• More frequent hurricanes, typhoons, and floods increase extreme weather events
• Droughts and unpredictable rainfall leads to food and water scarcity

Environmental Impact of Waste Dumping

• Waste pollution is often caused by industrial waste from factories and multinational corporations
• Improper disposal of plastic and non-biodegradable materials leads to waste pollution
• Waste pollution occurs from electronic waste (e-waste) from old electronics
• Chemical waste from agriculture and mining contribute to waste pollution

Effects of Waste Dumping

• Waste dumping causes soil and water contamination, which affects agriculture and drinking water
• Marine pollution from waste dumping destroys aquatic ecosystems
• Infections, respiratory diseases, and poisoning are waste dumping related health issues

Solutions to Waste Pollution

• Implementing recycling programs and waste management regulations limits waste pollution
• Encouraging biodegradable materials and limiting single-use plastics helps prevent waste pollution
• Holding multinational corporations accountable for their waste disposal can greatly improve waste pollution

The Role of Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

• Deforestation and habitat destruction happens when MNCs extract resources
• Production and transportation causes high carbon emissions
• Pollution from factories in developing countries with weak regulations is a result of MNCs
• Waste dumping and lack of corporate responsibility are negative environmental impacts of MNC's

Regulations for MNCs

• MNCs should be held to stricter regulations due to operating on a global scale with significant environmental impact
• Countries should enforce stricter environmental laws and penalties for MNCs
• Sustainable business practices should be encouraged by MNCs

Hydroponics

• Hydroponics means growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water
• Hydroponics uses less water than traditional agriculture
• Hydroponics reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers
• Hydroponics can be implemented in urban areas to reduce food transportation emissions

International Disputes

• Countries often dispute over political, economic, or territorial issues
• International organizations play a role in conflict resolution
• The League of Nations was created after WW1, it failed to maintain peace due to a lack of authority/enforcement

United Nations (UN)

• The UN was established in 1945 after World War II
• The UN's aims include: maintaining international peace and security, promoting friendly relations between countries, upholding human rights, and fostering social progress
• The UN comprises 193 member states

Key Organs of the UN

• The General Assembly is the main policymaking body of the UN
• All member states have one vote in the General Assembly
• The General Assembly passes resolutions on global issues like: climate change, refugees, and human trafficking
• General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding
• The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security
• The Security Council has 15 members, made up of five permanent (China, France, Russia, UK, US) with veto power
• The Security Council has ten non-permanent members who are elected for 2-year terms
• The Security Council can impose sanctions, authorize military intervention, or diplomatic solutions
• Security Council resolutions are legally binding

Specialized Bodies of the UN

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) oversees the global monetary system
• The IMF provides loans and financial advice to countries facing economic instability and ensures exchange rate stability
• The World Bank (WB) supports long-term economic development and funds infrastructure projects in developing countries
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) regulates global trade, ensures fair trade practices, and helps developing economies integrate into international trade

Humanitarian and Development Organizations

• The World Health Organization (WHO) works to promote health, prevent disease, and ensure global health security, and played a role in combating COVID-19
• The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) protects children's rights and provides humanitarian aid during conflicts and disasters
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes education, cultural heritage, and freedom of expression

Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

• TNCs are key players in economic globalization
• The top 200 TNCs produce half of the world's industrial output
• Coca-Cola, Apple, McDonald's, and Nike are examples of TNCs

Impact of TNCs

• Jobs, investment and infrastructure are positive impacts of TNCs
• TNCs can cause cheap labor to be created, which is a negative impact
• TNCs relocate to avoid high taxes and strict labor laws
• TNCs influence governments through lobbying
• TNCs contribute to the gig economy (zero-hour contracts, lack of benefits)

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• NGOs operate globally without direct government control
• NGOs are funded by donations and grants
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) focuses on conservation efforts
• Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) provides medical aid in conflict zones

Environmental and Political Impact of Globalisation

• Deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion due to industrial expansion has a negative environmental impacts
• Increased carbon emissions from multinational industries causes climate change
• National sovereignty weakens and international organizations gain influence
• Developing nations are pressured to conform to global economic policies
• Western dominance in Institutions like the IMF and WTO raises concerns about fairness

Skills Gained from Projects

• School Garden: Sustainability, teamwork, planning
• Language App: Coding, problem-solving, user experience
• Cultural Event: Event planning, communication, resource management

Achieving Learning Outcomes

• Follow instructions and complete tasks
• Use feedback and maintain records
• Choose a project that suits strengths
• Reflection is important for learning and moral development

SMART Goals for Projects

• Specific: Clearly define what the project aims to achieve
• Measurable: Establish ways to track progress and success
• Achievable: Set realistic and practical goals
• Relevant: Ensure the project aligns with the overall learning objectives
• Time-bound: Assign deadlines for different stages of the project

Time Management

• Allocate time for research, activities, writing, presentations, and reflection
• Plan, record progress, and review regularly

Project Journal: Importance and Content

• A project journal serves as a detailed record of progress and reflections

Journals Should Include:

• Focus and Method: Outline the projects purpose and how it will be executed
• Project Management: Track deadlines, meetings, and tasks completed
• Knowledge and Understanding: Document new concepts and skills learned
• Critical Thinking: Analyze problems encountered and applied solutions
• Reflection on Process: Assess personal growth and learning experience
• Use of Presentation Skills: Describe how information is communicated effectively
• Engagement with the Topic: Demonstrate dedication and interest in the subject

Stages of Project Management

• Project Introduction: Define the topic and objectives. Identify necessary resources
• Early Planning: Develop a timeline and assign roles and identify potentials challenges
• Skill Development: Learn necessary techniques or software and conduct preliminary research
• Draft Submission: Present a rough version for feedback and make necessary revisions
• Final Project Submission & Presentation: Complete all required documentation and deliver the final product effectively

Personal Reflection

• Strategy for success (e.g., breaking tasks into steps)
• Anticipate challenges & solutions

Research

• Research is the systematic collection and analysis of information
• Research helps answer questions, prove theories, and provide solutions to problems
• Research is essential for building knowledge, discovering new opportunities, and fostering innovation

Why Research is Conducted

• Gather information and expand knowledge
• Validate theories and develop new concepts
• Solve real-world problems and make informed decisions
• Contribute to personal, academic, or business success

Research as a Specialized Activity

• Involves careful collection and examination of data
• Helps make evidence-based decisions
• Aids in problem-solving by reviewing and understanding existing knowledge

Global and Social Issues for Research

• Research is necessary to address global challenges
• Environmental sustainability, education systems, and economic growth are examples of research topics

Brainstorming Research Questions

• What do we want to research?
• Why is this research important?
• What methods will we use?
• How will we manage time and resources?

The Research Proposal

• A structured document outlining a research project
• It serves as a plan for conducting research

Key Components of a Research Proposal

• Title: Clear and specific name of the research topic
• Introduction: Explanation of the topic and its significance
• Problem Statement: Clear description of the issue being studied
• Research Objectives: What the research aims to achieve
• Research Questions: Specific questions guiding the study
• Methodology: How the research will be conducted (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews)
• Expected Outcomes: Predicted results or contributions of the research

Society and Research

• Society is made up of interconnected institutions like schools, hospitals, governments, and businesses
• Social science helps analyze and understand societal structures
• Stakeholders play a key role in any research that effects them