Globalization All over the World - Research Paper Example

Task: Globalization: How the things we use make us part of this world Globalization is a thought provoking for discussion in the contemporary society. According to Kalb, Pansters and Siebers (1), it would be uncharacteristic not to hear these words mentioned irrespective of the topic at every discourse. However, few persons consider their detailed meaning (Kalb, Pansters and Siebers 1). Many see globalization as an interaction and integration among the governments, people and institutions of the world with a view to uplifting and sustaining development. Consequently, few people identify their role in globalization and economic advancement. Consequently, anyone hardly recognizes the role played by items they utilize in enhancing the broader picture of globalization and economic advancement (Kalb, Pansters and Siebers 1). This write-up identifies the roles played by diverse persons and the integration of the global populace. Additionally, it discusses issues pertaining to oil from its source in to the pumps citizens visit daily. Fundamentally, policies adopted by different regimes following the culmination of WWII have steered globalization (Kalb, Pansters and Siebers 1). Oil Import to United States Crane, Goldthau & Toman, et al., (5) approximate that the U.S purchases 12 million units daily. The U.S consumes about 25% of the total oil produced in the world. However, it only produces 10% of the full global production. This indicates that such a fraction is considerable. The transport sector is the major consumer of oil in the U.S. Cordesman and Al-Rodhan (33) indicates that the transport sector consumes 70% of the imported oil. Most oil originates from Canada. However, countries like Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela and West Africa also contribute substantially to the imports. The major byproducts of crude oil are gasoline, diesel and oil. These refined fuels are massively important in the development of a good transport arrangement. Apparently, continued economic development in the established economies and the emerging countries rely on oil (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan 33). In the global stage, every entity aspires to safeguard her sources of crude oil. This has lead to the establishment of economical treaties to safeguard these strategic interests. The Social life and journey of Oil Numerous products arise from crude oil. A good illustration is gasoline. Canada is the principal source of U.S oil; the raw material for the manufacture of gasoline originates from the Alberta’s oil fields. However, the journey to obtaining gasoline starts with oil exploration. Secondly, drilling and extraction follows (Gorelick 206). a. “Exploration, Drilling and Extraction of Oil” (Gorelick 206). Finding deposits in inhospitable areas is exceedingly expensive and intricate. The next phase of drilling, removal and transporting to the intended market in the U.S pose major environmental, cultural and health problems. Oil companies use advance “remote sensing and satellite mapping technologies” to locate reserves (Gorelick 210). Additionally, seismic technology assists in identification of suspected reserves. According to Gorelick (210), extraction of oil impacts massively on environment than oil spillage. These impacts incorporate colossal deforestation, chemical contagion of both “land and water”, interference with animal habitats and safety risks to both industry workers and surrounding communities (Gorelick 210). The oil sector generates more effluents than other industries. Gorelick (210) describes oil as an effluent containing heavy metals like “barium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury”. It also contains industrial strength materials. In some cases, the water is 100% more radioactive than nuclear plants’ discharge. Oil spillage represents a principal source of contagion. The latest illustration is the adversity witnessed in the “Gulf of Mexico” (Gorelick 210). Additionally, emissions from wells front a noteworthy environmental contamination. Several health disorders arise from investigation, drilling of oil. Extraction is a major risk to workers in oil fields. Exposure to lethal substances results in severe breathing hitches. Consequently, rampant explosions magnify the risk. The exploration of petroleum takes place in very harsh environments. Arctic and Antarctic regions, deserts and deep oceans contain numerous oil rigs. Concurrently, the drilling and drawing out oil is an excellent source of employment. Despite the risks involved, the exploration stage employs numerous individuals. The relocation of oil crew to new reserves is a source of social economic tribulations. The opening of new reserves leads to the forceful relocation of the native populace. This has in many ways caused problems between the natives and expatriates. Secondly, the presence of a large majority of foreign population leads to shifts in the culture of the natives. Nonetheless, tyrants govern such nation and squash any uprising by the citizens. Labor organizations in oil abundant nation like Saudi Arabia are illegal. These tyrants have amassed wealth to themselves at the expense of their subjects who pine away in abject poverty. Additionally, there is little emphasis on wellbeing and safety in the rigs. Cheap labor from the surrounding countries like India compounds the dire condition (Gorelick 210). This reveals the inequality that faces oil producing nation despite possessing immense wealth. Evidently, the returns from this industry largely benefit a minority. b. Oil Transportation An elaborate yet complex mix of transport network move oil from the extraction centers to the refineries and finally to the consumer tapping points. Oil tankers has for a long time offered the solution of oil transportation across continents. However, the past decade has witnessed the development of complex pipeline systems that have greatly eased the task of oil transportation. The use of rail road has declined over time. Nonetheless, a combination of an efficient highway and rail network is still in use in supplying local pumps and small-scale industries (Gorelick 210). There is a conspicuous decline in road transport of this commodity since it exposes numerous individuals to danger. Moreover, the commodity faces a higher risk of loss. This has ended in mishaps arising from tankers. Basedow, Mathignus, International and Max Planck Research School for Maritime Affairs (172) reported massive spillage in 1999. This resulted from 257 major incidences reported around the world. Minute spillages along key pipelines, rails and harbors add to the surging pollution through petroleum spills. Vast numbers of such leaks are predominant in developing countries where sufficient policies to regulate oil rigs and pipelines lack (Basedow, Magnus, International and Max Planck Research School for Maritime 172). The foremost oil leaks from tanker culminate from an increase in tankers’ capacity, which make them harder to maneuver. The report also captures, is the fact that pipelines are continuous used long after their engineering lifespan (Basedow, Magnus, International and Max Planck Research School for Maritime 172). Oil spillage has detrimental consequences on costal ecology. Mangrove forests, salty marshes and polar bear habitats are enormously susceptible to spillage. Spillage contaminates drinking water, fish and renders such areas inhabitable. Furthermore, it culminates in ailments and other bodily harms (Basedow, Magnus, International and Max Planck Research School for Maritime 172). Spillage may dent fish habitat thereby causing noteworthy economic repercussions to the surrounding society. The laying of oil pipeline results into displacement of populations from their residence (Basedow, Magnus, International and Max Planck Research School for Maritime 172). Overall, most societies cannot surmount the above difficulties. c. Refinery of oil. Refining entails thermal deconstruction of oil under excessive heaviness and heat. This generates diverse forms of crude products. The refinery employs a range of contamination controls that capture most of the byproducts emitted from the refinery (Basedow, Magnus, International and Max Planck Research School for Maritime 172). Conversely, vast majority of materials including benzene, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, acid gases and mercury when released to the atmosphere, pose great danger to the environment. Massive refinery emissions occur through leaks in the valves and piping system. Refineries use significant proportions of water for fabrication and cooling purposes. After use, the water is decontaminated and discharged to water bodies. However, treatment fails to eliminate all the toxic constituents. Analysis of treated effluent from refineries found substantial amounts of dissolved aromatic hydrocarbons. This affects the fish population in the reservoir around the refinery. The effluent released from the refineries is at higher temperatures, upon comparison to those in the surrounding reservoirs. When released to water bodies, it results in temperature increase. This affects the aquatic habitats and lead to a disrupted marine ecosystem. Explosions and compound spillage are rampant in refineries exposing employees to risks. Constant exposure to heat, unclean air and hazardous chemicals greatly endanger their lives. Conditions such as severe burns, headaches, mental disturbances, chronic lung ailments and elevated risks of cancer are imminent (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan 33). According to Epstein & Selber, there is a relationship between proximity of refineries and incidences of cancer among the population surrounding the institution (Epstein & Selber). Developing countries fail to adhere to laws regulating labor, industrial wellbeing and ecological conservation (Epstein & Selber). d. Use of Oil. Gasoline is an exceedingly important commodity in the transport sector. In spite of its daily usage, very few are aware of its potential dangers. Epstein & Selber noted that gasoline and its additives lead to persistent poisoning. Contact to products such as gasoline may result in cancer. The allocation and storage of gasoline employs a vast majority of individuals. Consequently, their level of exposure to the effects of gasoline is greater (Epstein & Selber). In emerging economies, utilization leaded gasoline is extensive. This persists even with the knowledge of the dangers of lead. The use of gasoline and its additives contribute principally to pollution. Particulate contamination of air results in chronic lung ailments (Epstein & Selber). Continuous use of gasoline contributes to accretion of carbon dioxide. This enhances the global warming trend. Sulphur and nitrogen oxides acidify rainfall. The acidic rain renders the soil unproductive. Acidic soils are devoid of magnesium plus calcium. Recovering these two minerals is a long term process that is exhausting. High acidity leads to leakage of “lead copper and aluminum” (Epstein & Selber). These metals sink into drinking water reservoirs. Epstein & Selber showed that, the continued use of petroleum and distortion of forestland has continuously altered the constituting parts of the air. The overall temperature has surged persistently over time (Epstein & Selber). Oil Consumption in the U.S According to Cordesman and Al-Rodhan, the U.S is still largest consumer of crude oil. In 2007, the U.S consumed about 24% of the world’s total production. Out of this import, the haulage segment utilizes about 70%. This highlights how vital oil is to the U.S. An elaborate transport system is vital for sustainable fiscal progress. Because of this, oil contributes considerably to the formulation of international policy (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan). Oil consumption and Globalization The likelihood for an abrupt fall in the in the supply of oil to the United States, which would culminate in the surge of oil prices hence, distorting the economy is perhaps why there exist stronger ties between the U.S and her oil trading partners. The stationing of American forces to protect the transit of oil from the Persian Gulf is underscores its significance. The U.S has established several international policies to ensure a consistent supply of oil. In spite of the evils associated with oil, its value is unquestionable. Every member of the contemporary society needs oil and its products daily. Oil will remain a big factor in all social economical activities (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan). Oil contributes significantly to globalization and economic advancement. Major oil importers like the U.S aim at establishing appropriate opinionated and efficient relationship with major oil producers. For example, the U.S has a cordial relationship with Canada, her major exporter of oil perhaps due to the benefits derived from their partnership. U.S is a global champion of human rights and democratic system. At the global stage, she is the perfect example of a free society which respects human rights. According to Cordesman and Al-Rodhan, a bigger percentage of her oil imports originate from Saudi Arabia. In this country, labor laws bar workers from organizing unions. It grants worker widespread control over expatriates movement. Affluent individuals lead the anarchy, courtesy of the oil wealth. The rest of the residents are deprived. The U.S has never shown any known opposition to this state of the kingdom (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan). Evidently, the American administration aims at upholding amiable relations with nation that meet its energy needs. Despite the domestic politics of the nations, the U.S has made enormous deals with such countries. The prime intent is to safeguard its prospects. People Involved in the life of Oil Several individual characterizes the social life of oil. Multinationals and governments control the production stage. The multinationals lay much claim on oil profits owing to “exploration, drilling and extraction” (Gorelick 206). In the past, reports have emerged illustrating tussles between oil producing nations and multinationals over control of existing oil fields. Oil producing entities in the developing nations are significantly affected by this conflict. At the consumption level, the constantly changing international oil prices affect pump prices. The volatility in oil prices has seen families and individuals take impressive actions in combating its effects. The increased usage of communal transport structure is an illustration of the remedial measures. Social protests are very common in oil producing entities. In the oil generating area of Niger delta housed within Nigeria, the product has been a recipe of constant civil unrest. Blame is heaped on the multinational since such entities amass profits at the expense of the locals. The government often colludes with foreigners to defraud the citizenry of their wealth. In some sections of the globe, the discovery of oil has resulted into severe civil unrest as evident in Africa. In some nations, oil discovery instigated a progression of economic development. Prior to the current political rift, Libya enjoyed a stable economic growth, owing to her vast oil deposits. Non Violent Strategy to Tackling Oil Problems The pricing of gasoline is a very complex mix. While it depends massively on the political climate in the oil producing entities and international oil cartels like OPEC, The consumer plays a significant role in its pricing. Like any other product, the decrees of claim and supply affect it. In order to curb the massive demand, large families can use big family cars instead of individual cars. Use of communal can lessen the high demand for gasoline. Adoption of new fuel resourceful vehicles is vital to reducing this problem. While oil production is not a small scale venture, consumers can participate in its fabrication channels by dictating certain practices that can curb the socioeconomic repercussions. Consumers should participate in the nation’s politics by electing leaders who will address the social ills of oil while focusing in sustainable economic development. Conclusion Globalization focuses on fiscal intensification, increased employment opportunities, and improved welfare of the citizenry. It is not about the continued increase in the gap amid the prosperous and the underprivileged. The perpetrators themselves are amassing wealth while citizens languish in utter poverty. Global leaders should reorganize the initial globalization plan. The dawdling worldwide fiscal development is a sign enough. Therefore, it is vital to re-engineer the energy industry. Civil rifts in oil exporting nations ought not to hinder economic growth. Indeed administration should prioritize bio-fuels. The dependence of economies on oil is detrimental to the universal hence government should foster the expansion of more bio-fuel production to reduce consequences of over reliance on this mineral (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan 33). The global economy is exceptionally reliant on oil. This makes it exceedingly susceptible. In addition, the oil producing nations work under cartels, which control supply to ensure certain market prices. Cartels have eliminated the ability of market forces to dictate price. To ensure sustenance of the universal economy it would be vital to guarantee fair pricing of oil. Moreover, governments should diversify the energy derivatives to bio-fuels. Lack of governmental ambition to produce bio-fuels further increases the susceptibility of this industry. Works Cited Basedow, Jurgen. Magnus, Ulrich. International Max Planck Research School for Maritime Affairs. Pollution of the sea: prevention and compensation. Berlin: Springer, 2007. Print. Cordesman, Anthony. & Al-Rodhan, Khalid. The changing dynamics of energy in the Middle East, Volume 2. Connecticut, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Crane, Keith. Goldthau, Andreas. Toman, Michael et al., Imported Oil and U.S. National Security. Rand, 2009. Print Epstein, Paul. & Selber, Jesse. Oil a life cycle analysis of its health and environmental Impacts. 2002. Web. October 1, 2011 Gorelick, Steve, Oil Panic and the Global Crisis: Predictions and Myths. UK: John Wiley and Sons, 2009. Print. Kalb, Don. Pansters, Wil. & Siebers, Hans. Globalization and development: themes and concepts in current research. Massachusetts, MA: Kluwer academic publishers, 2004. Print. Read More