Essay Draft 1

We are part of globalization and globalization is part of us. Globalization has caused us to become intertwined and interdependent (Faulconbridge, & Beaverstock, 2008). The bullet-fast rate of globalization is caused us - our insatiable needs and wants. On the surface, we are delighted when our daily needs and wants are being satisfied. Beneath the superficiality, we have no knowledge upon what we need to forgo as a result of our greed. Our biodiversity is diminishing. We have lost 75% of our original biodiversity as recorded in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2005). Singapore started off as a highly vegetated island. Progressively, we are deeply etched in globalization as well as development. Changes took place over time, resulting in a change from an island filled with biodiversity to one full of modernized buildings. Singapore is one of the few countries with a 100% urbanized population (Central Intelligence Agency, 2011). It is inevitable to assert that Singapore has lost a huge part of her biodiversity as a result of rapid globalization. There are several causes to the depreciating local biodiversity such as migration and global warming. In contrast, there are several solutions implemented such as law enforcement and long-term education.

Deforestation and lost of biodiversity is prevalent in Singapore (Brook, Sodhi & Ng, 2003). Our forefathers started off in a sparsely vegetated island and our current generation is starting off in a hugely urbanized environment. Globalization has increased human traffic all around the globe. It is a common knowledge for migration to occur (The World Bank, 2009). In the past few years, Singapore has experienced an influx of immigrants (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013). In order to accommodate the incoming immigrants and the booming population, more land has to be made available for housing purposes. Since 1992, there is an increase in housing availability due to continuous construction of accommodation (Housing and Development Board, 2009). Inevitably, more land has to be deforested in order for more estates to be built. Although there is an increase in demand for land, the Singapore government has retained a substantial amount of nature reserves such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Kent Ridge Park (National Parks Board, n.d.). However, nature reserves such as Kent Ridge Park are secondary forest. The soil conditions are not optimal for the growth of many organisms. As a result, our biodiversity will still be lost (Tan, Morgany & Kai-Xin, 2009). Singapore is a country without any natural resources. The only form of resources that Singapore can fully utilize is human talent. It is certainly inevitable for Singapore to constantly accept immigrants who can contribute to the Singapore economy. These foreign talents will then have to be housed. In 2030, the targeted population in Singapore is set to be approximately 6 million as predicted by the Singapore government (Singapolitics, 2013). This target is a huge jump from the current population in Singapore as of now. This denotes that we will still need more housing properties to accommodate the uprising population. Singapore is still embedded in this vicious cycle. Soon, these nature reserves have to be forgone to accommodate Singapore’s immigrants and her developments. Globalization has resulted in an influx of immigrants in Singapore and as a result of housing them, more land has to be cleared and having a direct impact on our biodiversity.

Competition in globalization has resulted in an increased number of industries (Halsall, 2007). There is an imminent increase in industrial activities globally. Wealthier countries such as the United States will tap on the comparative advantage of countries such as China where there is an abundance of labour force (Wang & Mei, 2009). In countries where productions materialize, there is minimal control in disposal of waste. This instantaneously led to an increase in pollution and global warming (National Geographic, 2007). Global warming is a ubiquitous challenge faced in countries. It is commonly defined as an increase in atmospheric temperature. The atmospheric temperature has been increasing yearly, resulting in unsuitable conditions for organisms to live in (Natural Resources Defense Council, 2008). Organisms that are not able to sustain in this harsh condition will gradually perish. Singapore has experienced an increase in global temperature and a drastic fall in rain volumes, resulting in a non-optimal temperature for various species (National Environment Agency, 2014). As organisms perish, our biodiversity is declining. Laws have been implemented to control the amount of pollutant emission (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). However, the implementation of laws does not totally uproot this deeply rooted problem. It only mitigates and not eradicates the problem. In the eyes of shrewd producers, an implemented law does not restrict them from emitting more so long as their profit outweighs their penalty. Preventing global warming by restricting pollutant emission cannot be mitigated overnight. A long-term universal solution is needed – education. Through education, the self-awareness of individuals will be increased. Environmental protection is the responsibility of every individual. Our future generation’s fate hinges in our hands. These ideas should be brought forward to everyone. Educating the hearts and minds, yet not the hands, is a vital process. Despite these solutions available, I would like to reiterate that globalization has indirectly resulted in a lost of biodiversity as a result of global warming which is caused by pollutants and greenhouse gas emission.

Globalization is a dual-edged knife. While it may satisfy our craving for products, our biodiversity is constantly being put at stake. Insignificant effects of globalization such as migration and global warming have exacerbated the rate of diminishing biodiversity. Mitigation factors such as preserving nature reserves and law enforcement may seem viable, but this is not true in the long run. A more enduring solution such as education is needed to protect our generations, as well as the future. Whilst we are coming up with modernistic solution, vast biodiversity are still being lost. Is it that we are not doing enough, or that the rate of globalization is too fast that we are unable to comprehend?

References:

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