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Globalization and Environmental Reform: The Ecological Modernization of the Global Economy
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2002
Year
Environmental GovernanceEngineeringDestructive Environmental EffectsEcological ModernizationDestructive Environmental ConsequencesSustainable DevelopmentEnvironmental ReformLawGlobal EconomyEcological SustainabilitySustainabilityEnvironmental PoliticsGlobal EconomiesGlobalizationEnvironmental PolicyPolitical EcologyGlobal GovernanceGlobal Sustainability
Globalization is often criticized for its environmental damage, yet it can also spur reforms that improve environmental quality. The book aims to provide a balanced view of how globalization influences environmental quality. Mol applies ecological modernization theory, examining how globalization, aided by nonstate actors and international institutions, can drive environmental reform through case studies of the EU, NAFTA, Japan, and selected developing countries.
Many writers either glorify globalization or vilify it, particularly for its destructive environmental effects. In this book environmental sociologist Arthur Mol provides a more balanced understanding of the relationship between globalization and environmental quality. Mol bases his arguments on his theory of ecological modernization, which holds that although processes of modernization and globalization often result in environmental degradation, they also can encourage policies and programs designed to arrest degradation and improve environmental quality.Building on earlier ecological modernization studies that focused on Europe, North America, and East and Southeast Asia, Mol takes here a more global perspective. He also addresses the increasing roles of nonstate actors, especially international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, popular movements, and transnational corporations.After examining the confusion created by the failure to distinguish among globalization, global capitalism, and neoliberalism, Mol analyzes both globalization's destructive environmental consequences and its contribution to global environmental reform. Elaborating on the subject of reform, he focuses on three case studies, one involving the economic triad of the European Union, the NAFTA region, and Japan; one involving the relationship between the triad and developing countries; and one involving three developing countries: Vietnam, the Netherlands Antilles, and Kenya.