Examine the growth of environmental awareness as a consequence of these global interactions
The positive impacts of globalization are sometimes very strongly felt, and one of these impacts is a substantial increase in environmental awareness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a lot to say about this subject in their article: http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story023/en/
According to the WHO (not the band), "Over the past 30 years, 30% of the world's natural environment has been destroyed, populations of freshwater animal and plant species have been halved and natural forests have declined by 10%". WHO then proceeds to argue two conflicting arguments regarding this problem. One argues that the rapid development
that accompanies globalization causes more significant damage to the environment. The other argues that global interactions reveals an opportunity to cooperate on a global level and reduce the environmental strain.
In my opinion, it comes down to how we use the double-edged sword. The opportunity to tap into global interaction's potential to develop global cooperation is staring us right in the face. Maybe development will make us more capable of being sustainable in our resource consumption. Furthermore, maybe global interactions will increase affluence and make sustainability more affordable. This article made me further support the globalization as, in my mind, its potential is slowly beginning to outweigh its risks. Does anyone think otherwise?
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Economic interactions and flows
More people than ever before work in call centres in the UK but are they the modern-day equivalents of the factory production line?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12691704
This article that was posted on the bbc is of particular interest to me. Call centres contain an incredible 3.5% of the entire UK workforce. I was very shocked by the way they described them to be 'Satanic mills'. The personal comments were also interesting because they seemed to be written relatively eloquently. This says something about the level of education possessed by a typical call centre worker. It's nice to see that the UK is using the local labor work force instead of adhering to the common malpractice of offshoring jobs
Question:
What do you think made call centre's 'get their act together' by improving pay and working conditions? Is the same thing happening to similar firms around the world?
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Political Outcomes Blog Post (Due March 20)
Sorry, but there weren't any pictures on the article...
Me talking to myself:
Here's one anyway:
ARTICLE:
For £150,000, You Can Buy Bulgarian-EU Citizenship
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2014/03/17/for-150000-you-can-buy-bulgarian-eu-citizenship/
Summary:
Summary:
So the article pretty much talks about the now, increasingly popular practice of buying citizenships to foreign countries. According to the article: "The EU financial crisis in recent years, however, has opened the visas-for-investment exchange to a far larger number of less wealthy foreign investors. Spain, Portugal, and Greece, to name a few, have been offering them to those with enough money to buy a second home abroad." It was this particular portion of the article that I found to be most interesting/disturbing.
Me talking to myself:
Granted that there are some additional legal hoops that some countries require potential buyers to jump through, this article is a testament to the severe lack of money circulating in the economies of some countries (particularly those in the EU). They need these quick influxes of cash to help keep themselves afloat. Although such an agenda is not directly stated, making citizenships available for purchase definitely seems to imply a cause for concern. This makes me think critically about the limitations of forming a European Union in the first place. Could it be that the negative effects of the EU are beginning to outweigh the positive effects? How desperate are these countries? The intergovernmental approach that the EU adopted seems less feasible as more news like this (about struggling economies) begins to surface. Perhaps the countries are running out of options...
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Socio-cultural Exchange
Choose either the concept of cultural diffusion (voluntary/consented change in culture) or cultural imperialism (enforced/pressured change in culture) and using specific examples explain how transnational corporations either intentionally or unintentionally spread consumerism through your chosen concept.
Cultural diffusion (a voluntary/consented change in culture) is an increasingly prominent concept in a world experiencing rapid globalisation.
McDonalds has an infamous track record for putting up stores in every corner of the globe. The franchise has become so commonplace, that it sometimes even adopts some local cuisines and preferences to indulge its consumers. In the Philippines, for example, the McDonalds menu contains additional Filipino-specific items like McSpaghetti (with some pinoy style sausage, cheese, and sweet sauce), Ube-flavored ice cream, and Filipino breakfast items (like tocino). The incorporation of such products has enticed consumers to become regulars at the establishments. Inevitably, this technique made more Filipinos develop a preference for fried fast-food items that are extremely popular in the United States. We have experienced somewhat of a cultural diffusion in our cuisine as foreign foods dramatically increase in popularity because of globalisation. (The effects of which can be both positive and negative)
Starbucks is also a transnational corporation that has been experiencing exponential growth because of cultural diffusion. Typically, Starbucks intentionally places indications of earth-friendly and local-friendly activity on the walls of their coffee shops. They stress their preferences for local hiring, and write about the friendly and fair relationships they have with coffee bean farmers. This attracts consumers as it provides them with a sort of ethical incentive to purchasing a cup of coffee. They feel more inclined to purchase from Starbucks because of the perceived positive externalities. The positive externalities stand out as media reveals other more self-centred firms. The resulting consumerism is definitely apparent. Cultural diffusion has occurred as more Filipinos are adopting foreign lifestyle habits and becoming heavy coffee drinkers.
For more info on McDonalds Dtarbucks and other consumerist transnational corporations check out this link: http://consumerist.com/
Cultural diffusion (a voluntary/consented change in culture) is an increasingly prominent concept in a world experiencing rapid globalisation.
McDonalds has an infamous track record for putting up stores in every corner of the globe. The franchise has become so commonplace, that it sometimes even adopts some local cuisines and preferences to indulge its consumers. In the Philippines, for example, the McDonalds menu contains additional Filipino-specific items like McSpaghetti (with some pinoy style sausage, cheese, and sweet sauce), Ube-flavored ice cream, and Filipino breakfast items (like tocino). The incorporation of such products has enticed consumers to become regulars at the establishments. Inevitably, this technique made more Filipinos develop a preference for fried fast-food items that are extremely popular in the United States. We have experienced somewhat of a cultural diffusion in our cuisine as foreign foods dramatically increase in popularity because of globalisation. (The effects of which can be both positive and negative)
Starbucks is also a transnational corporation that has been experiencing exponential growth because of cultural diffusion. Typically, Starbucks intentionally places indications of earth-friendly and local-friendly activity on the walls of their coffee shops. They stress their preferences for local hiring, and write about the friendly and fair relationships they have with coffee bean farmers. This attracts consumers as it provides them with a sort of ethical incentive to purchasing a cup of coffee. They feel more inclined to purchase from Starbucks because of the perceived positive externalities. The positive externalities stand out as media reveals other more self-centred firms. The resulting consumerism is definitely apparent. Cultural diffusion has occurred as more Filipinos are adopting foreign lifestyle habits and becoming heavy coffee drinkers.
For more info on McDonalds Dtarbucks and other consumerist transnational corporations check out this link: http://consumerist.com/
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Practice for Blogging for Globalization Unit
Pros and Cons of Globalization
Pros
- Increase in Accessibility of Information
Online libraries, information websites, videos, online courses, etc. has allowed widespread information to the far corners of the globe. Such tools have increased the education standard worldwide by making it more available with internet connection.
- International Communication
Mass social networking sites like Facebook and Skype has allowed relatively intimate international communication.
- International Awareness
Online media and videos have been used to raise awareness about certain issues dramatically, and has resulted in an increase in donations for important necessities like global relief and aid. Example: Kony 2012 and Yolanda relief efforts
- Increase in the availability of more goods and services
Cons
- Exploitation of Poor
Outsourcing work is now a popular strategy being employed by profit-driven firms that want to minimize expenditure at all costs. Example: Nike has an ongoing controversy as it is being criticized for "the following year it was revealed that workers in one of its contracted factories in Vietnam were being exposed to toxic fumes at up to 177 times the Vietnamese legal limit."
- Illegal Activity Online
The internet's introduction to the world brought with it new activity that needed to be legislated against or prohibited. These include but are not limited to: Child pornography, purchasing and selling of illegal substances, pirating. For example, "TOR" was an underground search engine that was well protected by its creators from any kinds of surveillance. It therefore became popular shortly after the turn of the century for the online drug market and other illegal markets.
- Strain on resource deposits
Fossil fuels are a finite resource that are definitely being strained by globalization. More oil, coal, natural gas are needed by countries transitioning out of agricultural economies and into more economies that are more oil-reliant. This will reduce the fossil feul reserves and lead to higher prices that could strain these economies
- Environmental strain
Ecological footprint could dramatically increase with more oil-reliant economies as production will probably increase.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
APAC Work: Geography
Explain the characteristics and spatial distribution of the following hazards using at least two specific examples. [10 marks]
DURATION
Volcanic eruptions vary in strength and can last anywhere from less than a day to thousands of years. The Stromboli in the Mediterranean, for example, has been erupting for over 2,400 years. An eruption will usually last until the magma has depleted, or until the gas inside the chamber is low enough so that the gas is no longer trying to escape.
Mt. Vesuvius: Extremely varied throughout history
Krakatoa: Extremely varied throughout history
MAGNITUDE
The Volcanic Explosivity Index or VEI is used to measure the intensity of volcanic eruptions. The scale is dependent on how much volcanic material is thrown out, the height of it, and the duration of the activity. Eruptions have 8 classifications, from 0 or non-explosive to 8 or mega-colossal.
Mt. Vesuvius: typically mega-colossal
Krakatoa: typically colossal to mega-colossal
PREDICTABILITY
Volcanoes are difficult to precisely predict but there are usually various warning signs that suggest impending eruptions. Scientists monitor seismicity rates, quake activity, and ground deformation. They are usually able to predict volcanic eruptions weeks in advance, giving local populations sufficient time to evacuate.
Mt. Vesuvius: Constantly monitored due to the unusually high density of surrounding population.
Krakatoa: Early eruptions were not predicted, but current volcanic activity is monitored heavily.
REGULARITY
Volcanoes are typically categorized according to various things like duration, lava flow, cause, magnitude, etc. Some common types of volcanic eruptions include Hawaiian Eruptions, Strombolian Eruptions, Vulcanian Eruptions, Plinian Eruptions, Lava Domes, and Surtseyan Eruptions.
Mt. Vesuvius: Plinian Eruptions
Krakatoa: Plinian Eruption, more recently Strombolian Eruptions
FREQUENCY
Of the 500 or so active volcanoes across the world, around 10 are erupting every day. But for the most part, they are very small, contained, and harmless. From time to time however, we get major eruptions that are large enough to destroy properties and even take lives.
Mt. Vesuvius: Highly active, with multiple historical accounts of catastrophe.
Krakatoa: Very highly active and dangerous with multiple recent minor eruptions, but catastrophic eruptions in history.
SPEED OF ONSET
Although volcanic eruptions can currently be predicted days or even weeks in advance, the onset of the eruption itself varies considerably. They may occur suddenly or gradually.
Mt. Vesuvius: Varies considerably
Krakatoa: Varies considerably
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
Volcanoes are found along destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, constructive (divergent) plate boundaries, and at various hot spots in the earth’s surface. The Ring of Fire is a famous volcanic chain that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. More than half of the world’s active volcanoes above sea level are a part of this ring.
Mt. Vesuvius: Gulf of Naples, Italy
Krakatoa: Sunda Strait, Indonesia
DURATION
Volcanic eruptions vary in strength and can last anywhere from less than a day to thousands of years. The Stromboli in the Mediterranean, for example, has been erupting for over 2,400 years. An eruption will usually last until the magma has depleted, or until the gas inside the chamber is low enough so that the gas is no longer trying to escape.
Mt. Vesuvius: Extremely varied throughout history
Krakatoa: Extremely varied throughout history
MAGNITUDE
The Volcanic Explosivity Index or VEI is used to measure the intensity of volcanic eruptions. The scale is dependent on how much volcanic material is thrown out, the height of it, and the duration of the activity. Eruptions have 8 classifications, from 0 or non-explosive to 8 or mega-colossal.
Mt. Vesuvius: typically mega-colossal
Krakatoa: typically colossal to mega-colossal
PREDICTABILITY
Volcanoes are difficult to precisely predict but there are usually various warning signs that suggest impending eruptions. Scientists monitor seismicity rates, quake activity, and ground deformation. They are usually able to predict volcanic eruptions weeks in advance, giving local populations sufficient time to evacuate.
Mt. Vesuvius: Constantly monitored due to the unusually high density of surrounding population.
Krakatoa: Early eruptions were not predicted, but current volcanic activity is monitored heavily.
REGULARITY
Volcanoes are typically categorized according to various things like duration, lava flow, cause, magnitude, etc. Some common types of volcanic eruptions include Hawaiian Eruptions, Strombolian Eruptions, Vulcanian Eruptions, Plinian Eruptions, Lava Domes, and Surtseyan Eruptions.
Mt. Vesuvius: Plinian Eruptions
Krakatoa: Plinian Eruption, more recently Strombolian Eruptions
FREQUENCY
Of the 500 or so active volcanoes across the world, around 10 are erupting every day. But for the most part, they are very small, contained, and harmless. From time to time however, we get major eruptions that are large enough to destroy properties and even take lives.
Mt. Vesuvius: Highly active, with multiple historical accounts of catastrophe.
Krakatoa: Very highly active and dangerous with multiple recent minor eruptions, but catastrophic eruptions in history.
SPEED OF ONSET
Although volcanic eruptions can currently be predicted days or even weeks in advance, the onset of the eruption itself varies considerably. They may occur suddenly or gradually.
Mt. Vesuvius: Varies considerably
Krakatoa: Varies considerably
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
Volcanoes are found along destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, constructive (divergent) plate boundaries, and at various hot spots in the earth’s surface. The Ring of Fire is a famous volcanic chain that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. More than half of the world’s active volcanoes above sea level are a part of this ring.
Mt. Vesuvius: Gulf of Naples, Italy
Krakatoa: Sunda Strait, Indonesia
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Group Work #2 (Kevin, Margret, Dave, Emily) --> Volcanoes and Droughts
Distinguish between two chosen hazards in terms of their spatial extent, predictability, frequency, magnitude, duration, speed of onset and effects. [10 marks]
Volcanoes are found along destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, constructive (divergent) plate boundaries, and at various hot spots in the earth’s surface. The Ring of Fire is a famous volcanic chain that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. More than half of the world’s active volcanoes above sea level are a part of this ring. Droughts, on the other hand, can happen anywhere in dry areas of land and regions, though most of the droughts occur along the equator. Most droughts are found in Australia, Brazil, the Sahel, China and India. There are many reasons as to why droughts occur, but it is mostly because there is very little rainfall. If rainfall does occur, it is absorbed quickly into the ground or it is blown away by the dry airflow along the ground.
Volcanoes are difficult to precisely predict but there are usually various warning signs that suggest impending eruptions. Scientists monitor seismicity rates, quake activity, and ground deformation. They are usually able to predict volcanic eruptions weeks in advance, giving local populations sufficient time to evacuate. Contrariwise, droughts are predictable hazards. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is used by governments and NGOs to measure the supply and demand of water in the area. Based on this model, they figured out that extreme drought occurred at the Western central, Southeastern regions of the country.
Of the 500 or so active volcanoes across the world, around 10 are erupting every day. But for the most part, they are very small, contained, and harmless. From time to time however, we get major eruptions that are large enough to destroy properties and even take lives. The Volcanic Explosivity Index or VEI is used to measure the intensity of volcanic eruptions. The scale is dependent on how much volcanic material is thrown out, the height of it, and the duration of the activity. Eruptions have 8 classifications, from 0 or non-explosive to 8 or mega-colossal. On the other hand, The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) is used to measure the magnitude. SPI shows that actual precipitation and the compared to the probability of precipitation for different time frames. A drought occurs anytime the SPI is constantly negative, and a drought ends whenever the SPI is positive. Droughts are also a relatively frequent issue. For example, at any given year a drought is occurring somewhere in the United States. Changes in climate have caused draughts and similar events to occur more frequently and violently.
Although volcanic eruptions can currently be predicted days or even weeks in advance, the onset of the eruption itself varies considerably. Volcanic eruptions vary in strength and can last anywhere from less than a day to thousands of years. The Stromboli in the Mediterranean, for example, has been erupting for over 2,400 years. An eruption will usually last until the magma has depleted, or until the gas inside the chamber is low enough so that the gas is no longer trying to escape. On the other hand, the duration of the drought of a drought may differ from place to place. From west to east there is a decreasing pattern in the severity of droughts. The duration of a drought is measured using The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). PDSI is based on precipitation temperature data and the local Available Water Content (AWC) in the soil. Droughts usually have a slow onset, making it difficult to predict its costs. It nevertheless is a dangerous event that is very difficult to prepare for, and recover from.
Volcanoes are hazardous to wildlife and humans. A large number of people can be killed or displaced, land is destroyed, and the local geographic makeup is altered. These effects of volcanoes are usually obvious and abrupt. Conversely, droughts typically have more long-term and sometimes even unforeseen consequences. Some temporary or permanent impacts of drought include poor soil quality, more wildfires, lower water levels or dried up wetlands, migration of animals, and destruction of habitat. Economic impacts of drought usually include losses of livelihood and changes in market structure due to consequent shortages and surpluses. Social impacts of droughts include deaths, disease, and various health problems.
Volcanoes are found along destructive (convergent) plate boundaries, constructive (divergent) plate boundaries, and at various hot spots in the earth’s surface. The Ring of Fire is a famous volcanic chain that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. More than half of the world’s active volcanoes above sea level are a part of this ring. Droughts, on the other hand, can happen anywhere in dry areas of land and regions, though most of the droughts occur along the equator. Most droughts are found in Australia, Brazil, the Sahel, China and India. There are many reasons as to why droughts occur, but it is mostly because there is very little rainfall. If rainfall does occur, it is absorbed quickly into the ground or it is blown away by the dry airflow along the ground.
Volcanoes are difficult to precisely predict but there are usually various warning signs that suggest impending eruptions. Scientists monitor seismicity rates, quake activity, and ground deformation. They are usually able to predict volcanic eruptions weeks in advance, giving local populations sufficient time to evacuate. Contrariwise, droughts are predictable hazards. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is used by governments and NGOs to measure the supply and demand of water in the area. Based on this model, they figured out that extreme drought occurred at the Western central, Southeastern regions of the country.
Of the 500 or so active volcanoes across the world, around 10 are erupting every day. But for the most part, they are very small, contained, and harmless. From time to time however, we get major eruptions that are large enough to destroy properties and even take lives. The Volcanic Explosivity Index or VEI is used to measure the intensity of volcanic eruptions. The scale is dependent on how much volcanic material is thrown out, the height of it, and the duration of the activity. Eruptions have 8 classifications, from 0 or non-explosive to 8 or mega-colossal. On the other hand, The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) is used to measure the magnitude. SPI shows that actual precipitation and the compared to the probability of precipitation for different time frames. A drought occurs anytime the SPI is constantly negative, and a drought ends whenever the SPI is positive. Droughts are also a relatively frequent issue. For example, at any given year a drought is occurring somewhere in the United States. Changes in climate have caused draughts and similar events to occur more frequently and violently.
Although volcanic eruptions can currently be predicted days or even weeks in advance, the onset of the eruption itself varies considerably. Volcanic eruptions vary in strength and can last anywhere from less than a day to thousands of years. The Stromboli in the Mediterranean, for example, has been erupting for over 2,400 years. An eruption will usually last until the magma has depleted, or until the gas inside the chamber is low enough so that the gas is no longer trying to escape. On the other hand, the duration of the drought of a drought may differ from place to place. From west to east there is a decreasing pattern in the severity of droughts. The duration of a drought is measured using The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). PDSI is based on precipitation temperature data and the local Available Water Content (AWC) in the soil. Droughts usually have a slow onset, making it difficult to predict its costs. It nevertheless is a dangerous event that is very difficult to prepare for, and recover from.
Volcanoes are hazardous to wildlife and humans. A large number of people can be killed or displaced, land is destroyed, and the local geographic makeup is altered. These effects of volcanoes are usually obvious and abrupt. Conversely, droughts typically have more long-term and sometimes even unforeseen consequences. Some temporary or permanent impacts of drought include poor soil quality, more wildfires, lower water levels or dried up wetlands, migration of animals, and destruction of habitat. Economic impacts of drought usually include losses of livelihood and changes in market structure due to consequent shortages and surpluses. Social impacts of droughts include deaths, disease, and various health problems.
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