Globalization broadly defines how commerce and technology have boosted international connections and reliance. Globalization often results in positive change in the economy through promoting exportation and importation, providing employment opportunities, and improving the standard of living. However, due to industrialization and higher reliance on fossil fuels, globalization has resulted in negative impacts such as air pollution, especially in China’s major cities such as Beijing. Hence this essay focuses on air pollution in China cities due to globalization.
One key factor contributing to atmospheric pollution in China is the higher reliance on coal. According to Chen (2020), China is one of the largest consumers of coal globally, accounting for 50% of the global consumption of coal. China extensively invested in coal-fired power plants, emitting sulfur dioxide, a highly harmful air pollutant. According to Chen (2020), coal-fired power plants were responsible for over a third of China’s sulfur dioxide emissions between 2000 and 2015.
Additionally, the manufacturing sector in China also contributes to air pollution. As a result of the increasing number of foreign companies in China, there has been an increasing rate of manufacturing, which has increased air pollution (Ye,2020). Due to their high rates of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide production, factories and other industrial facilities are major sources of air pollution. According to Ye (2020), approximately 90% of the urban population in China is exposed to air pollution exceeding WHO standards, making China one of the most afflicted countries with globalization. Furthermore, China’s air pollution has had devastating health effects. According to the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, air pollution kills about 1.1 million Chinese people yearly. The study found that poor diet, high blood pressure, and smoking kill more Chinese people than air pollution (Ye,2020).
Globalization has worsened China’s biggest cities’ air quality. Coal usage and industrial growth have caused the country’s unprecedented air pollution, which has had devastating health effects. China has increased renewable energy spending and reduced pollution, but more has to be done.
References
Chen, L. (2020). Manipulating globalization: the influence of bureaucrats on business in China. Stanford University Press.
Ye, M. (2020). The Belt Road and beyond: state-mobilized globalization in China: 1998–2018. Cambridge University Press.
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