How Has Globalization Increased Carbon Emissions?
The global economy has been a major contributor to increasing carbon emissions, especially in the South. While countries in the economic south are developing and trying to meet the needs of their populations, industrialised nations have a greater responsibility to reduce emissions and limit global warming. These emissions are caused by human activity, such as industrial production, urbanization, and trade openness.
Urbanization
Urbanization has a profound effect on the environment. It changes the way people live, the way they interact with other people and the amount of carbon emissions produced by their cities. This relationship varies between countries and is largely dependent on the levels of development. Rapid urbanization increases the demand for energy and is associated with the establishment of new manufacturing and industrial centers. Also, the rapid growth in the number of vehicles adds to the impact of urbanization. By 2050, the world’s population is projected to reach 4.6 billion people, with a large percentage of that number residing in urban centers.
Several studies have examined the effects of urbanization on climate change and environmental ecosystems. These studies have also documented the relationship between globalization and urbanization. These studies have included MICMAC and correlation tests to determine the driving forces of urbanization.
Trade openness
The effects of trade openness on carbon emissions are difficult to quantify. The last decade has seen an average increase of 1.5% in global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. This represents a large burden on global carbon emissions mitigation efforts. Although the learning-by-doing effects of greater trade openness have reduced emissions, this has not been sufficient to offset the full burden. More efforts are needed to develop technological solutions to reduce pollutant intensity.
The impact of trade openness on emissions varies across countries. Some countries experience increased emissions as their trade is more open, while others have no effect. The reason for the difference in effects is largely dependent on the composition of trade activities and their techniques.
Economic growth
Since the Industrial Revolution, the UK has relied heavily on manufacturing for its growth. While the economy has diversified to include a range of industries, manufacturing is a carbon-intensive industry. Global demand for manufactured goods means that structural change is unlikely. As a result, global decoupling must be achieved through technological progress and environmental policies.
The empirical literature on the relationship between growth and CO2 emissions is mixed, but generally shows that economic growth increases carbon emissions in the early stages of development. However, as technological and structural changes occur, emissions may decrease. Recent studies have shown relative decoupling in developed economies.
Population
The Future of the World Global Policy Dialogues is launching a new report on population and globalization on 23 February at 8:30 a.m. EST. In this report, the authors discuss the relationship between population growth and carbon emissions. They explain that the human population has tripled in size since 1950, reaching 7.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030. Population growth is a major challenge, but addressing this issue can help improve health care, social outcomes and empowerment.
While the main driver of emissions is population growth, other factors affect energy consumption. Aging, urbanization and changes in household size all affect energy use. Demographers estimate that global population will grow by over three billion people by the middle of the century, most of it urbanized. In many regions, the population will also age, mostly due to declining fertility. In some regions, the rate of aging will be rapid.
Technology
According to The Shift Project, a think tank in France that is focused on energy transition, technology has contributed to global greenhouse gas emissions. Among the sectors that produce the largest amounts of emissions are data centers, networks, and mobile devices. Using a mobile phone for one hour each day generates about 1.25 tonnes of CO2 per year, according to the study. Additionally, every download and play of a song or streaming video contributes to a carbon footprint. Thus, many experts are calling for more responsible use of technology devices.
Technological innovation, globalization, and economic growth have an impact on CO2 emissions in many regions. However, in regions such as OBOR, Central Asia, and East and Southeast Asia, this relationship is negative. In contrast, economic growth has a positive relation with CO2 emissions in all regions.
