Final Critical Reflection

Prior to attending Brad’s class, I was oblivious to how academic writing should be done. I came to realize that writing is an important part in our lives. Writing academically requires one to do a whole new level of critical thinking, and not simply pinning our thoughts down. Undeniably, I have faced numerous obstacles in writing. But I frequently remind myself to take this as an opportunity to improve my writing skills.

Being a business student, I think academic writing is relevant to me as I often have to write many reports. In the working society, business people tend to be busy and well-written communications can help to save time. Good writing also adds credibility to the writer and reflects positively on one’s image. After attending ES1102, I learnt that academic writing is more formal, objective and impersonal as compared to writing a report. I am now more conscious of my sentence structures and grammar usage too. I will certainly remember what I have learnt in class and apply it into my future writing assignments.

Overall, ES1102 has been an enjoyable module. By glancing through all my blog post, it is encouraging to see the improvements that I have made so far. Brad has always been trying his best to engage students in the learning process. With all the valuable knowledge that I have learnt from him, I am sure I will put those knowledge into good use. I believe one should never be contented with their current skill set because there is always room for improvement.  

Thanks Brad! :)

Essay Process (Final Draft)

According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, approximately 1.99 million tourists have visited the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Ecotourism is now one of the fastest-growing sectors. With globalization, people can travel more easily between different countries to participate in ecotourism adventures such as diving and snorkelling. Chamy (2012) highlights that as much as ecotourism needs globalization to grow, it is due to ecotourism that globalization has become such an important aspect of interaction across geographic spaces. Diving has become one of the few popular ecotourism adventures. However, the increase in the number of divers has caused rapid deterioration of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Scientific evidence has shown that the Great Barrier Reef has lost half of its coral cover in the last 27 years, and 95% of its living coral could be lost by 2050 (Whiteman, 2012). Other consequences include the extinction of species and negative impacts on the locals. Because divers are responsible for the depletion of corals, the Australian government should provide adequate education to divers and sufficient funds in supporting corals preservation, thereby preventing the loss of coral diversity in the Great Barrier Reef. Collaborative efforts among the divers, government and non-profit organizations are needed to reduce the negative impacts on the corals. 

The loss of coral diversity is one of the negative consequences caused by the divers. Many inexperienced divers kick and break corals as they swim. Some divers may touch or even remove corals from the sea, which ultimately kills the corals. Butler (2005) convincingly argues that if the breaking down of corals continue, it will result in permanent loss of marine ecosystem. Therefore, it is important to let damaged corals have enough time to recover to prevent corals extinction. Corals extinction will in turn negatively affect the species that depend on them. For example, the fishes that depend on corals for food and habitat may go extinct too. Another problem caused by the divers is that they may indirectly affect the local’s standards of living. The loss of corals will affect the locals who depend on them for food and income. Butler (2005) further convincingly argues that for the Great Barrier Reef, more than 500 million people live within 100 kilometres of coral reefs rely on them for their daily subsistence.

The first solution to coral depletion is to educate and encourage the divers to adopt a coral-friendly attitude. For example, government can work together with National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to educate the divers to limit their interactions with corals. Divers must be properly trained in order to reduce the negative impacts on the corals. Lonne (2012) highlights that to be a reef-friendly diver, one must have proper buoyancy control and movement underwater. Furthermore, government can also encourage divers to support non-profit organization such as Reef Relief and Coral Reef Alliance.

The second solution is for the Australian government to provide sufficient funds for corals preservation. For example, to reduce the damage to the corals in the Great Barrier Reef, the government has recently invested $208 million in its Reef Rescue Program (Wardell, 2013). In addition, the Great Barrier Reef was also designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides further protection to the coral reef system (Milman, 2013).

Lastly, government and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) can charge diving fees from divers, which may be useful in controlling the number of divers. For the Great Barrier Reef, divers must pay an Environmental Management Charge (EMC). According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the money generated from EMC can be used by the management for education, research and corals conservation. The Australian government can also limit the number of divers allowed in a dive site at one time. This is to ensure that corals are given enough time to recover. Research have shown that when human disturbances are reduced, corals can recover by themselves more quickly (Watts, 2013). 

Educating the divers can be seen as the most effective solution as it requires lesser cost to implement. The Australian government should work together with PADI and NAUI to increase divers’ awareness towards corals conservation. Coral depletion is not only a problem in Australia, but to the whole world as well. According to WWF, roughly one-quarter of coral reefs worldwide are considered damaged beyond repair, with another two-thirds under serious threat. Therefore, the solutions mentioned above can also be applied to the worldwide context, in order to prevent the loss of corals diversity. Effective corals conservation requires collaborative efforts among the divers, government and non-profit organizations. 











References

Butler, R. (2005, November 17). Coral reefs decimated by 2050. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1117-corals.html

Chamy, A. (2012). Globalization and the paradox of ecotourism. Accessible Sustainable Ecotourism: Necessary Market Adjustment in a New Age of Travel, 2. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotourism/articles/globalization-and-the-paradox-of-ecotourism.php

Lonne, T. (2012). A scuba diver’s impact on a coral reef. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from http://www.dive.in/articles/a-scuba-divers-impact-on-a-coral-reef/#comments

Milman, O. (2013, June 16). Great Barrier Reef on the brink as politicians bicker. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/16/barrier-reef-un-heritage-status

Australian Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. (n.d.). Great Barrier Reef tourist numbers. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/visit-the-reef/visitor-contributions/gbr_visitation/numbers

Australian Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. (n.d.). Visitor contributions. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/visit-the-reef/visitor-contributions

Wardell, J. (2013, January 31). Australian government pledges to protect Great Barrier Reef. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/01/australia-barrierreef-idUSL4N0B100I20130201

Watts, A. (2013, April 7). Good news about coral reefs- they recovered from warming. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/04/07/good-news-about-coral-reefs-they-recovered-from-warming/

Whiteman, H. (2012, October 3). Australia vows to reverse great barrier reef's coral decline. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from http://www.cnn.com.sg/2012/10/03/world/asia/australia-great-barrier-reef-coral/index.html

World Wide Fund for Nature (n.d.). Coral reefs: threats. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/coral_threats/

Critical Reflection (Essay Process)

My recent essay topic was on ecotourism, which discusses about coral depletion caused by divers. My concern towards the environmental issues that we are facing today led me to write on this topic. Taking the module “Environmental Biology” has further spurred my interest on environmental conservation issues.

After conferencing with Brad on my first essay draft, I found out that there were a few parts that I can further improve on. For example, I should link my conclusion appropriately back to the topic on globalization. This is because coral depletion is not only a problem in Australia, but to the whole world as well.

One of the challenges that I have faced during my writing process was to keep my essay within the word limit. Ample research has to be conducted before writing on the topic of coral depletion. Since most information can be found online, this tests my ability to sieve out only the relevant information to substantiate my essay. Brad’s helpful guidance has eased my essay writing process. For instance, I do not have to rework much on my referencing as Brad’s APA guide serves me well. This essay will serve as a good guide for me when I write academic essays in future. For me, it was a fulfilling and enjoyable writing process as I get to write on a topic that truly interest me. 

Essay Process (Draft 2)

Each year more than 1.8 million tourists have visited the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (Butler, 2005). Ecotourism is now one of the fastest-growing sector. With globalization, people can travel more accessibly across different countries to participate in ecotourism adventures such as diving and snorkelling. Chamy (2012) highlights that as much as ecotourism needs globalization to grow, it is due to ecotourism that globalization has become such an important aspect of interaction across geographic spaces. Diving has become one of the few popular ecotourism adventures. However, the increase in the number of divers have caused rapid deterioration of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Other consequences include the extinction of species and negative impacts on the locals. Because divers are responsible for the depletion of corals, the Australian government should provide adequate education to divers and sufficient funds in supporting corals preservation, thereby preventing the loss of coral diversity. Collaborative efforts among the divers, government and non-profit organizations are needed to reduce the negative impacts on the corals. 

Countries like Australia has been promoting and investing in ecotourism activities like diving, attempting to boost their financial reserves. However, the increase in number of divers have caused serious damage to the corals. Scientific evidence have shown that the Great Barrier Reef has lost half of its coral cover in the last 27 years, and 95% of its living coral could be lost by 2050 (Whiteman, 2012).

The loss of coral diversity is one of the negative consequences caused by the divers. Many inexperienced divers kick and break corals as they swim. For example, frenzied kicking from diver’s fins can cause serious damage to the corals. Some divers may touch or even remove corals from the sea, which ultimately kills the corals. Butler (2005) convincingly argues that if the breaking down of corals continues, it would result in permanent loss of marine ecosystem. There may also be a possibility of species extinction. Experiments have proven that repeated breakage of corals caused by intensive diving, may lead to a reduction in coral’s sexual reproduction (Pilcher, 2012). Therefore, it is important to let damaged corals have enough time to recover, or else it may result in corals extinction. Corals extinction will in turn negatively affect the species that depends on them. For example, the fishes that depend on corals for food and habitat may go extinct too. In addition, ship fuels and litters thrown by divers can cause water pollution, which also contributes to deterioration of corals. Another problem caused by the divers is that they may indirectly affect the local’s standards of living. This is because the loss of corals will affect the locals who depend on them for food and income. Butler (2005) further convincingly argues that in the Great Barrier Reef, more than 500 million people live within 100 kilometres of coral reefs rely on reefs for their daily subsistence.

The first solution to coral depletion is to educate and encourage the divers to adopt a coral-friendly attitude. Government plays a big part in encouraging divers to become passionate environmental stewards for the corals. For example, government can educate the divers to limit their interactions with corals and avoid walking near them. Divers must also be properly trained, in order to reduce the negative impacts on the corals. Lonne (2012) highlights that to be a reef-friendly diver, one must have proper buoyancy control and movement underwater. Furthermore, government can also encourage divers to support non-profit organization such as Coral Reef Alliance, Reef Relief, and the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation.  

The second solution is to ensure that government provides sufficient funds for corals preservation. For example, the Australian government pledged to reduce the damage to the corals in the Great Barrier Reef. The Australian government has recently invested $208 million in its Reef Rescue program (Wardell, 2013). In addition, the Great Barrier Reef was also designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides further protection to the coral reef system (Milman, 2013).

Lastly, government can charge diving fees from divers, which may be useful in controlling the number of divers. For the Great Barrier Reef, divers must pay an Environmental Management Charge (EMC). According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the money generated from EMC can be used by the management for education, research, policy development and corals conservation. The Australian government can also limit the number of divers allowed in a dive site at one time. This is to ensure that corals are given enough time to recover. Research have shown that when human disturbances are reduced, corals can recover by themselves more quickly (Watts, 2013). 

It is of paramount importance to increase the divers’ awareness towards corals conservation. Educating the divers can be seen as the most effective solution as it requires lesser cost to implement. However, it is important to recognize that the Australian government also plays a major role in corals conservation through provision of funds and support. Therefore, effective corals conservation needs collaborative efforts among the divers, government and non-profit organizations. 





References

Butler, R. (2005, November 17). Coral reefs decimated by 2050. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from Mongabay: http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1117-corals.html

Chamy, A. (2012). Globalization and the paradox of ecotourism. Accessible Sustainable Ecotourism: Necessary Market Adjustment in a New Age of Travel, 2. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from Ecotours: http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotourism/articles/globalization-and-the-paradox-of-ecotourism.php

Lonne, T. (2012). A scuba diver’s impact on a coral reef. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from Dive.in: http://www.dive.in/articles/a-scuba-divers-impact-on-a-coral-reef/#comments

Milman, O. (2013, June 16). Great Barrier Reef on the brink as politicians bicker. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/16/barrier-reef-un-heritage-status

Australian Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. (n.d.). Visitor contributions. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/visit-the-reef/visitor-contributions

Wardell, J. (2013, January 31). Australian government pledges to protect Great Barrier Reef. Retrieved from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/01/australia-barrierreef-idUSL4N0B100I20130201

Watts, A. (2013, April 7). Good news about coral reefs- they recovered from warming. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from Watts up with that: http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/04/07/good-news-about-coral-reefs-they-recovered-from-warming/

Whiteman, H. (2012, October 3). Australia vows to reverse great barrier reef's coral decline. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from CNN: http://www.cnn.com.sg/2012/10/03/world/asia/australia-great-barrier-reef-coral/index.html

Essay (First Draft)

Thesis: Because divers are responsible for the depletion of corals in the Great Barrier Reef, the Australia government should provide adequate education to divers and sufficient funds in supporting the preservation of corals, thereby preventing the loss of coral diversity.

Introduction:

Globalization has become a driving force to many industries. Ecotourism being one of the fastest-growing sectors has benefited from it. Globalization plays a major role in facilitating the cross-border interaction between countries. Through globalization, people can travel more accessibly across different countries to participate in ecotourism adventures such as diving and snorkelling. Chamy (2012) highlights that as much as ecotourism needs globalization to grow, it is due to ecotourism that globalization has become such an important aspect of interaction across geographic spaces (Chamy, 2012). Diving has become one of the few popular ecotourism adventures. However, diving has caused deterioration of the coral reefs. Other negative impacts include the extinction of species and pollution. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is an example of rapid depletion of coral reefs.

Because divers are responsible for the depletion of corals in the Great Barrier Reef, the Australia government should provide adequate education to divers and sufficient funds in supporting the preservation of corals, thereby preventing the loss of coral diversity. Collaborative efforts among the divers, governments and non-profit organizations are needed to reduce the negative impacts on the corals. 

a) Description of a situation

There is an increase in the number of divers as more people want to enjoy the beauty of the reef and the thrill of discovering the underwater world. Each year more than 1.8 million tourists have visited the Great Barrier Reef. Butler mentioned that large amount of revenues are generated from popular ecotourism adventures like diving and snorkelling (Butler, 2005). Therefore, countries like Australia has been promoting and investing in ecotourism activities like diving, attempting to boost their financial reserves. However, scientific evidence have shown that the Great Barrier Reef has lost half of its coral cover in the last 27 years, and 95% of its living coral could be lost by 2050 (Butler, 2005). Undeniably, divers are partially responsible for the damage of the coral reefs.

b)  Identification of a problem

Loss of coral diversity

The increase amount of divers have caused a rapid disruption of ecological life systems. Some divers kick, grab and break corals as they swim. Divers who unintentionally touch the corals may also damage the corals, causing it to have difficulty in recovering. Some divers may even remove beautiful corals from the sea bed, which ultimately kill the corals. Butler (2005) convincingly argues that if the breaking down of coral reefs continues, it would result in permanent loss of marine ecosystem and its biodiversity (Butler, 2005). In addition, the frenzied kicking from divers’ fins can hurt corals.

Extinction of species

Experiments have proven that repeated breakage of corals caused by intensive diving tourism, may lead to substantially reduced sexual reproduction in corals, and eventually lower rates of re-colonisation (Pilcher, 2012). If damaged corals are not given enough time to recover, it may eventually lead to extinction of corals and other species. Depletion of corals will in turn affect the species that depends on them. For instance, the fishes that depend on corals for food and habitat.

Pollution

Divers may have to take transports such as boats to their destination, which generates more carbon emissions and worsens global warming. Litters thrown by divers and ship fuels can cause water pollution, which contributes to coral reef degradation.

Negative impact on locals
The loss of coral ecosystems will also affect the indigenous natives who depend on them for food, job and income. Butler (2012) further convincingly argues that more than 500 million people who live within 100 kilometres of coral reefs, many of whom rely on reefs and services they provide for daily subsistence (Butler, 2005). Therefore, divers who are involved in ecotourism adventures may indirectly affect the standards of living of the locals.

c) Description of a solution
Government support

Charging diving fees at certain dive sites may be useful in controlling the number of divers visiting Great Barrier Reef. The money generated from diving fees can be used to conserve the corals. Government can also support by providing sufficient funds for the purchase of permanent buoys. Pilcher (2012) mentioned that the installation of permanent buoys can reduce the damage of coral reef from recreational activities (Pilcher, 2012). 

Limit the number of divers
Australian government can limit on the number of divers allowed in a dive site at one time. This can ensure that corals are given enough time to recover. Research have shown that when human disturbances are reduced, reefs might do much of the recovery by themselves (Watts, 2013). 

Environmental education
To prevent the depletion of corals, government can educate the divers by encouraging respectful attitudes for coral-friendly diving. Divers should be reminded to avoid walking near corals as sediment may be stirred up and cover the corals, which may cause corals death. Divers must remember the maximum limit of interacting with corals and do not remove them from the sea.

Diver who are properly trained tend to be reef-friendly, thereby reducing the negative impacts on the corals. Lonne (2012) highlights that proper buoyancy control and movement underwater are requirements for being a reef-friendly diver (Lonne, 2012).

Non-profit organization
Public should be encouraged to support non-profit organization such as Coral Reef Alliance and Reef Relief. Currently, the non-profit organization are helping in managing the marine ecosystem. They also promote local communities to become passionate environmental stewards for the reefs.

d) Evaluation of the solution

It is of paramount importance to increase the divers’ awareness towards corals conservation. Effective marine protection needs collaborative efforts among government agencies, conservation groups, non-profit organizations and the public. As a whole, collective efforts will yield greater results than individual efforts. Therefore, divers can still enjoy diving while sparing a thought for the marine environment. 

References

Butler, R. (2005, November 17). Coral reefs decimated by 2050. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from Mongabay: http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1117-corals.html

Chamy, A. (2012). Globalization and the paradox of ecotourism. Accessible Sustainable Ecotourism: Necessary Market Adjustment in a New Age of Travel, 2. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from: http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotourism/articles/globalization-and-the-paradox-of-ecotourism.php

Lonne, T. (2012). A scuba diver’s impact on a coral reef. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from Dive.in: http://www.dive.in/articles/a-scuba-divers-impact-on-a-coral-reef/#comments

Pilcher, N. (2012). Corals and human disturbance. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from UNEP: http://www.unep.ch/regionalseas/main/persga/pilcher.html

Watts, A. (2013, April 7). Good news about coral reefs- they recovered from warming. Retrieved October 4, 2013, from Watts up with that: http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/04/07/good-news-about-coral-reefs-they-recovered-from-warming/

Essay

Thesis:
Globalization has stimulated the growth of ecotourism, but ecotourism is now considered to be playing a major role in environmental degradation.

Introduction:

Globalization has stimulated the growth of ecotourism, but ecotourism is now considered to be playing a major role in environmental degradation. Ecotourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry. Tourists can now visit unique ecological sites, where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. However, the tremendous growth in ecotourism comes with a price. An uncontrolled growth of ecotourism has resulted in serious environmental degradation. For example, ecotourism has caused pollution, destruction of ecosystem and loss of biodiversity.

The negative environmental impacts can be mitigated by ensuring public are well educated on the importance of conserving the environment. This is to ensure that all tourism activities have minimal environmental impact. Collaborative efforts among governments, policy makers and local communities are also needed in order to consistently promote sustainable tourism. Akbarov convincingly argues that everyone involved in ecotourism are responsible for achieving the goals of responsible tourism. (Akbarov, 2013)

a) Description of a situation

Ecotourism has been promoted globally because it simultaneously benefits the global economy and the environment. As a result, many countries are investing in this growing industry in an attempt to boost their financial reserves. However, many conservationists have questioned the long term sustainability of ecotourism and the possible negative impacts on the environment (Trevor, 2004).

b)  Identification of a problem

Destruction of ecosystem
Environmental stress can arise from accommodating to tourist’s needs. An increase in the number of visitors entering into protected areas, especially when combined with activities like hiking, can cause serious environmental damage. This have also resulted in rapid disruption of ecological life systems.

Deforestation
Natural land are converted for the development of tourist infrastructures, which had led to more deforestation and habitat destruction. In order to develop ecological sites, governments must resettle the indigenous inhabitants of a region, which caused the indigenous natives to lose their home.

Loss of biodiversity
Deforestation has resulted in the loss of habitat and biodiversity of wildlife, which may eventually cause species to extinct in the future. It is also important to protect biodiversity to ensure that humans can continue to benefit from them. For example in Africa, majority of the continent's 700 million inhabitants rely directly on biodiversity for food, medicine, building materials, fuel wood, craft materials and income (Wynberg, 2000).

Pollution
Some tourists are keen to take boat trips to various sites such as Antarctica, the Amazon Rain forest and Papua New Guinea. This have resulted in more carbon emissions for getting to these places. For example, eco-tourist travelling to Antarctica are adding to global warming, which have caused the melting of polar ice caps. Tourist is causing pollution from ship fuel and rubbish, as well as disturbing wildlife (Steinmetz, 2009).

c) Description of a solution

Ensure sustainability
Limit on the number of tourists that are allowed to visit an area. This can help to maintain the balance and vitality of the ecological site. This will also help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions to the environment. Governments should ensure tourist facilities are built in a way that it minimizes the deleterious environmental impacts. For example, constructing facilities on the outskirts of the park boundaries (Nash, 2001).

Environmental education
The way forward to fight bad ecotourism is to educate the public on the importance of biodiversity, and the various ways to minimize the environmental impacts. In this way, public can increase their environmental and cultural awareness. For example, the Honduran schoolchildren from the capital city of Tegucigalpa are routinely taken to visit the La Tigra cloud forest visitor center, funded in part by eco-tourist dollars, to learn about the importance of the rain forest and biodiversity (Nash, 2001).

Promote sustainable tourism
Sustainable tourism is travel designed to minimize the impact of humans on the places they visit, and encourage protection of both cultural heritage and the environment (Parode, 2012). Countries like Europe are now focusing on sustainable destination development and aims to balance conservation and tourism (Walsh, 2013). The Global Sustainable Tourism Council and The International Ecotourism Society are a one of the few council that promotes sustainable tourism practices. 

d) Evaluation of the solution

It is of paramount importance to educate people in order to increase their environmental and cultural awareness. Promoting responsible tourism can ensure sustainability of unique ecological sites. Effective environmental protection needs collaborative efforts among concerned government agencies, conservation groups, non-governmental organizations and the public. For example, getting more locals to participate in eco-tourism projects can garner more community support. As a whole, collective efforts in conserving the environment will yield greater results than individual efforts. Tourist can still enjoy ecotourism while sparing a thought for the environment. 


References

Akbarov, E. (2013). Sustainable tourism. Retrieved from Academia: http://www.academia.edu/4023366/Sustainable_tourism_Elchin_Akbarov

Honey, M. (1999). Ecotourism and sustainable development: Who owns paradise? Retrieved from Google Document: http://books.google.com.sg/books id=Qm_RonNzC7sC&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=throughout+most+of+the+world,+the+rise+of+ecotourism+has+coincided+with+the+promotion+of+free+markets+and+economic+globalization,+with+the+private+sector+hailed+as+the+main+engine+for+de

Nash, J. (2001, April). Encouraging conservation or adding to exploitation? Retrieved from Population Reference Bureau: http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2001/EcoTourismEncouragingConservationorAddingtoExploitation.aspx

Parode, N. (2012). What is sustainable tourism? Retrieved from About.com: http://seniortravel.about.com/od/typesoftravelforseniors/f/SustainableTravel.htm

Steinmetz, T. (2009, December 23). Eco-tourists causing "horrendous" pollution in Antarctica. Retrieved from eTurboNews: http://www.eturbonews.com/print/13462

Trevor, P. (2004). Globalization, ecotourism, and development in the monte verde zone, costa rica. Retrieved from Scholar Commons: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/940/

Walsh, J. (2013, October 5). Burren to host international conference on sustainable tourism. Retrieved from Irish Central: http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Burren-to-host-international-conference-on-sustainable-tourism-226309891.html

Wynberg, R. (2000, April 5). Privatising the means for survival: The commercialisation of Africa's biodiversity. Retrieved from Grain: http://www.grain.org/article/entries/33-privatising-the-means-for-survival-the-commercialisation-of-africa-s-biodiversity

Reader's response (Final Draft)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization has increased international trade and consumption. It also led to improvements in global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of information to the world. However, globalization has caused environmental devastation such as deforestation, increased pollution and global warming.

According to Chanda, globalization has accelerated the rate of deforestation, which has caused severe environmental damages. Chanda mentioned, “Globalization does serve as both a conduit and an accelerator to the loss of forest cover worldwide”.

I agree with Chanda’s view on this matter. Globalization encourages the consumption of goods and services, which has led to more forest clearing. An example would be China’s growing demand for soybeans. Chanda also stresses that deforestation is accountable for more global carbon emissions. Furthermore, deforestation has led to global warming, increased pollution and habitat loss for numerous species. Such habitat destruction are also responsible for the extinction of species. 

Globalization has undoubtedly brought about many benefits. Yet the environmental damage has proven to be more detrimental. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to educate people on reforestation and to practice environmentally responsible consumerism. This is to ensure that our forests remain viable and sustainable. 

Word count: 200

Reader's response (Draft 1)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization has increased international trade and consumption. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of information to the world. However, globalization has caused environmental devastation such as deforestation, increased pollution and global warming.

According to Chanda (2007), globalization has accelerated the rate of deforestation, which has caused severe environmental damages. Chanda mentioned, “Globalization does serve as both a conduit and an accelerator to the loss of forest cover worldwide”. 

I agree with Chandra’s view on this matter. Globalization encourages the consumption for goods and services, which has led to more forest clearing in recent years. An example given would be China’s growing demand for soybeans. Chanda also stresses that deforestation is accountable for more global carbon emissions. In addition, deforestation not only leads to global warming and increased pollution, but it has also caused habitat loss for many species. This shows that habitat destruction also became responsible for the extinctions of species.

No doubt, globalization has brought about many benefits to the world. Yet I strongly believe that the environmental damages caused by deforestation is much more detrimental, and it requires immediate attention. However, with the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences. 

Summary of "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Revised post)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that there are pros and cons of globalization, and combined international efforts are essential to solve any problems.

Globalization has increased international trade and consumption, which contributes to the economic growth. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of news and images to the world.

However, globalization has caused deforestation, increased pollution and global warming. The increase in consumers’ demands has led to rapid loss of forest cover worldwide. Accelerated burning of coal and use of chemicals also pollute the world's environment. Furthermore, global warming causes environmental devastation and may potentially shrink the global economy.

Governments should work together to tackle these global challenges. Montreal Protocol was a successful example of efforts in combating ozone depletion. With the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences. 

Thesis Statement

According to Chanda (2007), globalization has accelerated the rate of deforestation, which has caused severe environmental damages.

Summary of "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Final Draft)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that there are pros and cons of globalization, and combined international efforts are essential to solve these problems.

Globalization has increased international trade and consumption, which contributes to the economic growth. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of news and images to the world.

 

However, globalization has caused deforestation, increased pollution and global warming. The increase in consumers’ demands has led to rapid loss of forest cover worldwide. Accelerated burning of coal and use of chemicals also pollute the world's environment. Furthermore, global warming causes environmental devastation and may potentially shrink the global economy.

Governments should work together to tackle these global challenges. Montreal Protocol was a successful example of efforts in combating ozone depletion. With the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences. 

Summary of "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Draft 1)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that there are pros and cons of globalization, and government intervention is essential to solve these issues.

Globalization has increased international trade and consumption, which contributed to the economic growth. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enabled instantaneous transmission of news and images to the world.

However, globalization has caused deforestation, global warming, and increased pollution. Increasing consumers' demand has led to rapid loss of forest cover worldwide. Global warming causes environmental devastation, and may potentially shrink the global economy. In addition, the burning of coal and use of chemicals can pollute the world's environment.

Governments should work together to tackle these global challenges. Montreal Protocol was a successful example of efforts in combating ozone depletion. With the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences.

Paraphrasing Naz's English Learning Experience

Paraphrasing:

Naz (2013), states that she has been encountering problems in English writing since primary school, but is determined to improve her writing skills by attending English classes.

Paraphrasing

As you paraphrase the following paragraph, present the “expected” general features of the nuclear reactors from Declan Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn,” taken from Nature, 20 May, 2004 (Vol. 429, p. 238).

“These new reactors would all operate at high temperatures, improving their efficiency.  And they would include simplified safety features that do not rely on sophisticated backup systems or experienced operators — all are, in principle, ‘meltdown proof’ and can cool themselves down in the event of an accident with minimal, if any, human intervention. . . . Experts agree that reactors will need to be a lot cheaper to run. And to sway a nuclear-averse public, the next generation of reactors will need to produce much less radioactive waste at terrorist-proof facilities.”

Butler (2004), states that all new nuclear reactors are able to operate efficiently at high temperatures. The safety components can eliminate the need for highly developed backup systems or trained workers. It can lower its temperature in times of an accident, with little human interference. Reactors must be affordable to operate. The future reactors must be capable of producing lesser radioactive waste at terrorist-proof facilities, in order to influence the nuclear adverse public.

My English Language Learning Journey (Draft 2)

I grew up in Singapore and I have been exposed to English since young. That is where my English language learning journey started. Since young, my exposure to English language has been rather limited as I usually converse in Mandarin with my family and friends.

English is a global language, and Singapore being a multi-lingual society, requires one to be able to converse well in English. This is because it will allow better communication across different cultures. Therefore, I started exposing myself by speaking more English as I understand that having the ability to write and communicate in proper English would certainly be an added advantage to my studies and work.

My latest English language learning experience was 3 months ago, when I took the module ES2002, “Business Communications”, in my previous semester. In that module, I was taught interpersonal skills and presentation skills. I also learnt how to write a proper report, which is an essential skill needed in the workplace. My lecturer gave me useful feedback and allows me to work on my areas of improvement. I am also positive that upon completing ES1102, I will certainly gain valuable knowledge in English writing.

Survey Questions for "The Double Edge of Globalization"

The Double Edge of Globalization

Questions:

1) Is it true that globalization destroys the rain forest?

2) Is China largely responsible for the increase in “forest crime”? Why?

3) Is forest clearing the sole factor that attributes to environmental degradation?

4) How does technology helps in conveying realities of environmental degradation to the world?

 

5) What have been done to reduce the negative impact caused by global warming?

Published on YaleGlobal Online Magazine (http://yaleglobal.yale.edu)