Economic Globalization and
Sustainable Development
Chapter II: Global Economy
Sustainable Development
There are some significant downsides to globalize trade and
perhaps the strongest argument against economic globalization
is its lack of sustainability or the degree to which the earth’s
recourses can be used for our needs, even in the future.
Specifically, the development of our world today by using the
earth’s resources and preservation of such sources for the
future is called sustainable development.
Environmental Degradation
Efficiency
finding the quickest possible way of producing large amounts of a
particular product.
This process made buying of goods easier for the people. Then
there is an increased demand. Ultimately, there was an
increased efficiency. This cycle harms the planet in a number of
ways.
Environmental Degradation
Harvey (2005) noted that neoliberals and environmentalists debate the impact of
free trade on the environment.
Environmentalists argue that environmental issues should be given priority over
economic issues. Free trade, through its emphasis on the expansion of
manufacturing, is associated with environmental damage.
Neoliberals see the efforts of the environmentalists as serious impediments to
trade. Some seek to integrate these approaches. For instance, ecological
modernization theory sees globalization as a process that can both protect and
enhance the environment.
Food Security
Global food security means delivering sufficient food to the
entire world population. It is, therefore, a priority of all
countries, whether developed or less developed. The security
of food also means the sustainability of society such as
population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and
agriculture.
Food Security
There are different models and agenda pushed by different organizations to
address the issue of global food security. One of this is through sustainability.
The United Nations has set ending hunger, achieving food security and improved
nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture as the second of its 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the year 2030.
The World Economic Forum (2010) also addressed this issue through the New Vision for
Agriculture (NVA) in 2009 wherein public-private partnerships were established. It has
mobilized over $10 billion that reached smallholder farmers. The Forum’s initiative were
launched to establish cooperation and encourage exchange of knowledge among farmers,
government, civil society, and the private sector in both regional and national levels.