Globalization and Its Impact on the World

Dividing the World

Globalization's Influence

Globalization has extended the culture and way of life of the USA and some European countries to the rest of the world.

The world today can be divided into two main parts: central areas and peripheral areas.

Global Cities

Global cities (New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, Berlin) are the main decision-making centers where multinational companies, large banks, and important international organizations are located.

Support for Globalization

Supporters of globalization include international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the G8, and the G20. They use the following arguments:

• Globalization promotes the exchange of goods, services, capital, and people.
• This process benefits all countries and individuals.
• Globalization brings people, countries, and cultures closer.
• Globalization leads to greater cooperation.
• The transmission of data enriches the lives of individuals.

Movement Against Globalization

Social groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) organize protests against globalization. They use the following arguments:

• Globalization imposes a capitalist economic model.
• Decisions affecting national economies are made by supranational institutions.
• The most powerful countries impose their language, culture, and customs on weaker countries.

Unequal Human Development

Today, people often use the term "North" to refer to the industrialized world and "South" to refer to underdeveloped countries (also known as the Third World). The following indicators are used to measure development:

• GDP per capita: In developed countries, it is over $100,000.
• Literacy rate
• Life expectancy at birth
• Years of schooling

The UN uses the Human Development Index (HDI), which includes economic data, health, and education statistics.

Developed Countries

• Have a high GDP and a high standard of living.
• Their economy is based on the tertiary sector; most people live in urban areas.
• Have their own technology.
• Population aging. Life expectancy is high.
• Literacy rate is high.
• There are enough public services.
• Have a democratic political system.

Underdeveloped Countries

• Have a weak economy, so GDP is low.
• Agriculture plays a very important role.
• Are very economically and technologically dependent on other countries.
• Population is young, and death rates are high.
• A large part of the population is illiterate.
• Poor transport and communications infrastructures.
• Health care and education services are inadequate.
• Political systems are unstable democracies and even dictatorships.

Environmental Problems

Increased emissions of greenhouse gases contribute to acid rain and destruction of the ozone layer. Global warming leads to:

• Melting of the polar ice caps and the disappearance of many glaciers.
• A rise in sea levels and destruction of coastlines and aquifers.
• Drought, leading to the disappearance of plant and animal species, deforestation, and desertification.

Industrialized countries emit large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Policies for Environmental Protection

The European Union made a commitment to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Decrease energy consumption and promote renewable energies.
• Provide incentives to companies that reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.

Many city councils around the world have put into practice Agenda 21, with the following objectives:

• Promotion of public transport.
• Control of heating systems.
• Recycling of urban waste.
• Maintenance of green areas.