Thursday, 19 September 2013

Reader Response final draft


In the article ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’, Chanda (2007) suggests that the effects caused by globalisation in the past were not as obvious as they are now. The increasing ability to correlate globalisation with its effects is due to the growing connectedness of the world. I agree with the author and also see the growing ease to link globalisation and its after effects with advancements in technology.

Since the world has become smaller, world trade has enlarged due to thriving demand and supply. One case Chanda brought up was the 2.5 million acres of tropical forest cleared in Brazil to earn profit from China's immense demand. Although the demands of men are met, the earth suffers environmental degradation and these consequences can only be seen in the future. Should we continue to be irresponsible just because we do not see the effects now? 

Moreover, technology has also enabled us to connect globalisation with its effects. Zabarenko from the Reuters reported last year that small amounts of nuclear radiation with origins from Japan were found in bluefin tunas from California. With technology, one is able to associate a country's irresponsible acts with environmental changes in another country. Much evidence can be disclosed but as Chandra mentioned, without collaboration from governments to take action, environmental issues cannot be resolved.


http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-28/business/sns-rt-us-japan-nuclear-tunabre84r0mf-20120528_1_bluefin-tuna-cesium-california-coast

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Reader Response to Double Edge Of Globalisation Draft #1

In the article ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’, Chandra suggests that the effects caused by globalisation in the past were not as obvious as they are now. The increasing ability to correlate globalisation with its effects is due to the growing connectedness of the world. I do agree with the author and also see growing ease to link globalisation and its after effects with advancements in technology.


Since the world has become smaller, world trade has enlarged due to thriving demand and supply. One case Chandra brings up is the 2.5 million acres of tropical forest cleared in Brazil to earn profit from China's immense demand. Although the demands of men are met, the earth suffers environmental degradation and consequences can only be seen in the future. Should we continue to be irresponsible just because we do not see the effects now? 

Technology enables us to connect globalisation with its effects. Zabarenko from Reuters reported last year that small amounts of nuclear radiation with origins from Japan were found in the tuna from California. With technology, one is able to associate a country's irresponsible acts with environmental changes in another country. Much evidence can be disclosed but as Chandra mentioned, without collaboration from governments to take action, environmental issues cannot be resolved.


http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-28/business/sns-rt-us-japan-nuclear-tunabre84r0mf-20120528_1_bluefin-tuna-cesium-california-coast


Sunday, 15 September 2013

Thesis for ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’


In the article ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’, Chandra suggests that the effects caused by globalisation in the past were not as obvious as it is now. The increasing ability to correlate globalisation with its effects is due to the growing connectedness of the world.

Globalization summary


In the article 'The Double Edge of Globalization', Chanda (2007) explains the harmful effects and benefits that globalisation has directly and indirectly brought. The effects are severe but countries are unwilling to responsibly tackle the challenges threatening our environment.

Chanda presents globalisation as merely a channel hastening global warming and encouraging high intake of goods. Expanding international trade increases deforestation and pollution, which contribute to climate and environmental changes. Global warming, as a result, will cause potentially serious social and economic problems.

The awareness of natural disasters and suffering has increased with technology such as the internet providing the information. Nations who have not taken action ought to see how their actions affect other nations and not neglect the consequences of global warming. Chanda also points out that if governments are willing to collaborate, environmental degradation can be reduced.

Sunday, 8 September 2013

Summary of 'The Double Edge of Globalization' Final Draft

In the article 'The Double Edge of Globalization', Chanda (2007) explains the harmful effects and benefits, which globalisation has directly and indirectly brought. The harmful effects will impact everyone greatly but yet countries are unwilling to responsibly tackle the challenges threatening our environment.

Globalisation merely serves as a conduit and an accelerator encouraging consumption. Expanding international trade increases deforestation and pollution, which contribute to climate and environmental changes. As a result, global warming has a potential of causing disruptions as severe as the Great depression and World War I and II.

Awareness of natural disasters and suffering has increased and some nations have taken action. Nations who have not taken action ought to see how intertwined and interdependent nations are; their actions do affect other nations. The consequences of global warming should not be neglected.

History has shown that there can be change if governments use their power to lead a change.

Word count: 151

Saturday, 7 September 2013

Summary of 'The Double Edge of Globalisation' draft #1

In the article 'The Double Edge of Globalisation', Chanda explains the harmful effects and benefits globalisation has directly and indirectly brought. The harmful effects will impact everyone greatly but yet countries are unwilling to responsibly tackle the challenges threatening our environment.

Globalisation merely serves as a conduit and an accelerator encouraging consumption. Expanding international trade has quickened deforestation and pollution, which contribute to climate and environmental changes. As a result, global warming has a potential of causing disruptions as severe as the Great depression and World War I and II.

Even though there has been an increase in awareness of natural disasters and suffering, and some nations taking action, the rest of the world has to see how intertwined and interdependent countries are. The consequences of global warming should not be neglected.

History has shown that there can be change if governments use their power to lead a change.

Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Reflective Writing Draft 2

English was never one of my favourite subjects until I was eleven. As compared to the other subjects I took in primary school, I found English classes to be the most mundane. The grades I obtained for English also decreased my liking for the subject and as a result, I focused more of my time on other subjects. 

Everything changed when my primary five teacher came to class and told us to put aside everything while she handed out a piece of paper with song lyrics on it and played the song. After listening to the music, we were asked comprehension questions in the form of a quiz. It was a refreshing change for me and for once I was brimming with enthusiasm in class. I began to participate actively in English classes. Everybody has different learning styles and since I am an audio learner, the music activity I did in class naturally appealed to me.

Yet in primary six, I went back to my 'old' ways. My English tutor had to be strict and harsh towards me to get work done. I lacked the discipline and could not see the importance of learning.

Looking back, I should have been more of an active learner rather than allowing the teaching methods to determine my learning attitude. By being inquisitive and taking charge of my own learning journey, I realised that learning can be fun and interesting. But it is never too late to start :)

Summary exercise on Declan Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn,”


The latest reactors with simplified safety features will be able to function at high temperatures and not depend on backup systems or technical support. The reactors are able to cool themselves down when an accident occurs, reducing the need for human intervention. Experts commented that reactors have to be more affordable and produce less radioactive waste to convince a nuclear-averse public. (Butler 2004).