Globalization has been around for a long time in one shape or another. Trade routes have been operating between different parts of the world since ancient times. Now, globalization has extended into other sectors. However, people view its merits differently. The followers of globalization believe that productivity grows in countries that open up their markets and integrate with outside economies as they gain access to wealthy economies where they can sell their goods and services. Next, lesser developed nations benefit from the increase in investment from foreign countries both financially and through jobs. Finally, through globalization, countries can specialize more in what they produce and what they do best. The opponents of globalization have their views, first, wages and working conditions everywhere are pushed downwards as companies gravitate towards countries where the wages are the lowest and the workers’ rights are the worst. In addition, the environment suffers, as production moves to places where they have less strict rules and regulations about controlling pollution and deforestation. Most seriously, globalization undermines national sovereignties and national governments as individual countries become increasingly at the mercy of international markets, and multinational corporations grow more powerful and influential.

57. How can globalization potentially damage environment?