Reader Response for "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Final Draft)

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) points out that expanded international trade, which contributes to urbanization and economic growth, leads to environmental destruction. I do not totally agree with the idea. In my opinion, instead of expanded international trade, the lack of global awareness is the root cause of environmental degradation.

  I cannot rebut that intensified international trade encourages consumption but it causes the loss of forest cover worldwide. For instance, according to Chanda, the environmental organization Greenpeace estimates that more than 2.5 million acres of tropical forest have been cleared by China in recent years to increase the demand for soybeans for other countries. In my point of view, many multinational companies choose to destroy the environment rather than using any other ways, which are more environmental friendly, for their own economic benefits. They fail to realise long-term conservation of environment is much more important than short-term benefits.

  As we all know, nowadays, ecological system is seriously affected by trade. Many nations wreak havoc on the habitats of flora and fauna to product traded goods. What if they are clearly aware of the potential of environmental devastation to shrink the global economy? I think they will not act without prudent consideration.

  I believe that environmental degradation brought by expanded international trade can be ameliorated by global awareness. Therefore, I think that international consensus on pollution reduction should be built to curb the problems.

Word Count: 236 words

Reader Response for "The Double Edge of Globalization" (1st draft)

  In Chanda’s work on “The Double Edge of Globalization”, he points out that expanded international trade, which contributes to urbanization and economic growth, leads to environmental destruction. I do not totally agree with the idea. In my opinion, instead of expanded international trade, the lack of global awareness is the root cause of environmental degradation.

  I cannot deny that intensified international trade encourages consumption and causes the loss of forest cover worldwide. For instance, according to Chanda, the environmental organization Greenpeace estimates that more than 2.5 million acres of tropical forest have been cleared by China in recent years to increase the demand for soybeans for other countries. However, I think the root cause of this phenomenon is not the trade but the lack of awareness. The nations choose to destroy the environment rather than using any other ways for their own economic benefits. It reveals that they fail to realise long-term conservation of environment is much important than short-term benefits.

  Chanda points out that global warming has the potential to shrink the global economy and paralyze the world. Indeed, this is an indisputable fact. However, many countries are still willing to wreak havoc on the global environment to maximize their outputs and profits. It shows us that the lack of awareness drives them to act without prudent consideration.

  I believe that consequences of expanded international trade can be ameliorated by the global awareness. Therefore, I agree with Chanda that international consensus on pollution reduction should be built via the cooperation by nations and powerful advancements in communication. Furthermore, I suggest that more energy-efficient technologies should be developed to curb the environmental degradation. 

Thesis Statement for "The Double Edge of Globalization" (second draft)

Instead of expanded international trade, the lack of global awareness is the root cause of environmental degradation.

Thesis Statement for "The Double Edge of Globalization"

International cooperation is indisputably essential to reduce negative impacts of globalization such as air pollution and widespread deforestation. 

Revised Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalization"

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization brings about both positive and negative impacts on environment and governments play a pivotal role to raise public awareness and tackle global challenges. Expanded international trade, which is attributed to globalization, contributes to urbanization, economic growth and increased consumption. It will lead to widespread deforestation, pollution and global warming. As a result, natural catastrophes may occur, shrinking the global economy and causing social disruption.  However, powerful advancements in communication can instantaneously transmit information and ideas about environmental degradation to citizens around the world to raise their awareness. Although many nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have been inconsistent in their approach to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This shows us the failure of international cooperation to encourage the importance of hyperconnected world, as well as the unwillingness of key actors on the global scene. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations should work together to build international consensus on pollution reduction to solve the environmental problems.

Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Second Draft)

  Thanks Lewis, Chin Hwee and Gio for your comments, really appreciate your efforts!!=)

  

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization brings about both positive and negative impacts on environment; and governments play a pivotal role to raise public awareness and tackle global challenges. Expanded international trade, which is attributed to globalization, contributes to urbanization, economic growth and increased consumption. It will lead to widespread deforestation, pollution and global warming. As a result, natural catastrophe may occur, shrinking the global economy and causing social disruption. Powerful advancements in communication can instantaneously transmit information and ideas of environmental degradation to citizens of the world to raise their awareness. Although many nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have been inconsistent with reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This shows us the failure of international system to realize the importance of hyperconnected world and the unwillingness of key actors on the global scene. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations should work together to build international consensus on pollution reduction to solve the environmental problems.

Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalization" (First Draft)

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chandra (2007) states that globalization brings about both positive and negative impacts on environment and government plays a pivotal role to raise public awareness and tackle global challenges. Expanded international trade, which contributes to urbanization and economic growth, also encourages consumption, which leads to widespread deforestation, pollution and global warming. As a result, natural catastrophe will occur, shrink the global economy and cause social disruption.  Powerful new advances in communication can instantaneously transmit information and ideas of environmental degradation to citizens of world to raise their awareness. Although many nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have been inconsistent to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This shows us that the international system fails to realize the importance of hyperconnected world and the unwillingness of key actors on the global scene. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations should work in hand to build international consensus on pollution reduction and solve the environmental problems.

Paraphrasing

As you paraphrase the following paragraph, present the “expected” general features of the nuclear reactors from Declan Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn,” taken from Nature, 20 May, 2004 (Vol. 429, p. 238).

“These new reactors would all operate at high temperatures, improving their efficiency.  And they would include simplified safety features that do not rely on sophisticated backup systems or experienced operators — all are, in principle, ‘meltdown proof’ and can cool themselves down in the event of an accident with minimal, if any, human intervention. . . . Experts agree that reactors will need to be a lot cheaper to run. And to sway a nuclear-averse public, the next generation of reactors will need to produce much less radioactive waste at terrorist-proof facilities.”

D. Butler (2004), states that to improve new nuclear reactors’ efficiency, withstand to high temperatures is needed. Simplified safety features, that reduce reliance on system and human resources, are included so reactors can cool themselves down during emergency to minimize any human intervention, whilst running a lower cost. To ameliorate public resistance to nuclear reactors, the amount of radioactive waste should be lessened in future.

Second Draft: My English Language Learning Journey

 How was my English language learning journey? I have to admit that it was very tough as I was born in a Chinese-speaking family. Since young, I can count my “English-speaking times” within ten fingers. All of my English teachers explained English grammar and writing skills in Chinese. In my secondary school, we seldom had oral examinations, but mostly had grammar and writing exams. This is why I cannot pronounce English fluently and naturally. Although I watched some English movies and read some magazines to improve myself, I was always defeated by “Chinese-speaking” environment around me. Many a time in secondary school, my friends and I decided to speak in English, but we mixed many Mandarin words with English, and we ended up giving up.

 A few years ago, I travelled to Singapore with my family to visit my brother who studied here. My brother brought us around. That time, I got shocked by people who spoke flowing English. I have never thought I would study in Singapore. However, it realised last week. Last week, I came to NUS and started my university life. I heard from many seniors that studying in a university is a fantastic journey in our life. However, temporarily, I don’t think so. My first week in NUS made me depressed and defeated. It was rather difficult for me to understand what the lecturer talking about and interact with my course mates. Whenever I see people around me speak in English, I feel envious but also stressful.

  “Setbacks are inevitable in our life. Harsh environment will mould you into a stronger person.” This was what my mother told me when she knew my situation. I know I just need some time to adapt to this new environment, English-talking environment. However, I really cannot deny that there is some time I think to give up because I am really tired. Now, I just try my best to have positive thinking and affirmations every day.

  Up to now, I believe the path of success is thrown with stones and thorns. It takes perseverance and determination to pass through it. Hopefully, I can have a good and vivid experience of my English learning journey in Singapore. There will be a day I can overcome my language barrier and interact with my friends without gaps right? Now, please forgive me for my broken English.