Reader's Response Final

In the article ‘The Double Edge of Globalization’, Chanda (2007) expresses that globalization brings about both negative and positive effects. Globalization results in global economic growth and advancements in technology and telecommunications, creating a closely interlinked world. However, it also contributes to environmental degradation. The Kyoto Protocol’s limited success was largely attributed to the United States's refusal to to participate. He then suggests that international cooperation between all key players is essential in mitigating globalization’s negative effects.  I agree with his view. However, I would probe deeper into the effect of lax environmental regulations observed in economically challenged countries.

I believe that lax regulations would attract foreign investment and production, benefiting the country’s economy and development. As a result, these countries generally do not impose strict environmental regulations. In the context of Indonesia, lax regulations could be present to facilitate the nation's heavy involvement in the manufacturing and trade of goods. In addition, a high percentage of Indonesia’s deforestation is illegal. Companies often use environmentally devastating methods to accelerate the clearing of land for sale and agriculture. Even so, the government had made little effort to solve the illegal logging issue.  

Therefore, I believe that in addition to combined international efforts of key players, cooperation from economically challenged countries and the implementation of stringent local regulations are also needed to mitigate globalization’s ill effects.