Globalization and the Environment in the Emerging Economies: Increased Imbalance, New Momentum, or Stalemate?

Abstract

Globalization, as a process of intensified interaction and integration between different economies, polities and societies, has sharpened many conflicting arguments that arise regarding the balance between economic development and environmental quality, the character of environmental transformation and policy responses, and the linkages between global processes and domestic environmental rights, opinions, and beliefs. Does globalization contribute to increased economic opportunities and policy innovation, or does it drive environmental degradation and instability? Why do some emerging economies amplify the imbalance between economic growth and environmental protection while others produce a turning point toward environmental responsibility? Building on the framework of Theodore Panayotou, this article traces the main linkages between globalization and the environment and focuses on five effects of globalization in China, India and Brazil: scale effects, institutional effects, technology/product effects, policy effects, and societal effects. It argues that globalization accelerates structural, institutional and societal change in these emerging powers thus altering their industrial and policy structure, resource use patterns, and most importantly the awareness and responses to environmental degradation. The article also finds that globalization conducts and amplifies market and policy imperfections that may spread and exacerbate environmental damage, yet it also generates pressures for reform from environmental movements generating opportunities and attracting international interest.