The Global EnvironmentAs the global population expanded at an exceptional rate, humans changed their

relationship with the environment.

Effects of Globalizationsocieties eager for economic growth = Lack of consideration for the

environmental consequences Examples:

Huge tankers leaking massive amounts of oil into the ocean

Tall smokestacks designed to reduce local pollution in American Midwest spread acid rain to Canada

Pressure to expand production leads to the destruction of tropical rain forests in Brazil = contributing to global warming

Key Issue Expansion of industrial development

goalsSoviet Union caused extensive environmental damage

By 1990’s – China’s population of over a billion building on a resource that was

already exhausted – widespread water shortages!!

“yellow dragon”

The Green Revolution1970’s - Series of new agricultural

techniques Two practices:

1. The use of new higher-yield seeds

2. Expanded use of fertilizers Dr. Norman Borlaug – “Father of

Green Revolution”

The Green Revolution resulted in agricultural production outpacing population growth by the late 20th century.

The Green Revolution produced chemically genetically enhanced foods.

HOWEVER: it did not provide famine relief for people in Sub-Saharan Africa (i.e. Sudan, Mali, Niger, Somalia)

WHY? You tell me…..two reasons.

Movements have protested the inequality of environmental and economic consequences of global integrationExample:

GreenpeaceEarth Day