KT Watson- Globalization

Globalization has lead to greater interconnectedness with the world, a metaphorical shrinking of the world and increasing of socialization.  This in turn has lead to the responsibility of environmentalism being seen on global scale: we all depend on the environment, we all live in the world, so in turn we are all responsible for taking action.  This mindset forgets the fact that responsibility is not equal, and that not everyone has the same ability to impact the world; socioeconomic status is a main driver of both cause of pollution and ability to take action against it.  The US is one of the largest producers of carbon emissions, despite being only ~4% of the world population.  100 companies are responsible for 71% of greenhouse gasses.  These giants of pollution are responsible for much of the global warming and effects of climate change, and it is through changing their actions they can help the world.  A farmer in India is not equally responsible for the global environment as a CEO at Exxon Mobil.  Understanding that individuals can take action to help the environment while at the same time those most responsible need to make drastic changes can help with personal activism and mindsets regarding environmentalism. 

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