Integrating the World, but at what cost?

A key factor in the huge impact of globalisation has been the mass improvement in technology and communication which has been largely due to the development in the internet. Thanks to the internet the world has become more connected and communication between countries has become a lot easier. Since 2001 the percentage of people using the internet has continued to rise. Developing countries have seen a larger increase in this time period.

This great increase in technology and the internet has led to more integration between the developing and developed economies. Meetings can be held using a conference call feature on Skype whereas in the past representatives would have to travel around the world for meetings. In that sense not only has the economy benefited but also the environment, but has it really? Do the benefits of less people travelling around the world for meetings really outweigh the drawbacks for the environment?

China is well known for being a pioneer in globalisation as it has developed due to the benefits of globalisation as MNCs move their production chains to China. Despite all the economic benefits the rate of pollution in China has increased as a result. Only 1% of China's city dwellers breathe air that is considered safe by the EU. The increased production and factories have lead to mass increase in pollution as a result of globalisation. Pollution is responsible for three-quarters of all the deaths in China each year.

Here we face a dilemma. Do we strive for a healthy economy that consists economic growth annually or do we aim to protect the environment? Or is it possible to do both? One reason why this decision is a difficult one is because one will have an effect in the short run and the other in the long run. What is more important the short run or the long run? At the end of the day, those who make these tough decisions will have to look at their situation as if it was a 20 mark question conclusion, do the benefits outweigh the costs.