NPR article “The Anti-Pollution Documentary That’s Taken China By Storm
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read the following NPR article “The Anti-Pollution Documentary That’s Taken China By Storm Links to an external site.” (and/or watch Chai Jing’s documentary – Under the Dome), and then watch the CNN documentary “Freedom Project: Cocoa-nomics Links to an external site.”;
Then, respond to the following two questions –
To what extent has globalization contributed to global ethical issues highlighted in the NPR article and the CNN documentary?
How can businesses make positive change?
no specific amount of words just answer the questions.
Sample Solution
Globalization has had a significant impact on the global ethical issues highlighted in both the NPR article and CNN documentary. As outlined by Chai Jing’s documentary “Under the Dome”, unchecked pollution generated from manufacturing processes in China has created massive environmental concerns for local citizens, with hazardous air quality leading to various health problems. These issues have been tightly linked to globalization, as Chinese-based multinational companies such as Foxconn – who produce Apple products – have increased production levels at an alarming rate; resulting in overworking employees and creating heavy emissions which are released into the atmosphere (BBC News). Similarly, cocoa production sites featured in the Freedom Project documentary have also suffered due to global trade practices: excessive deforestation of cocoa plantations coupled with slave labor tactics employed by some farmers has seen human rights abuses become increasingly common among West African nations (Horowitz).
Businesses can make positive change through innovative initiatives that tackle ethical issues head-on. For example, many corporations are now transitioning towards more sustainable practices such as no/low emission factories or utilizing renewable energy sources instead of traditional fuel sources. Additionally, major brands like Mars and Nestle have implemented fair trade programs which guarantee minimum wage requirements for workers and improved working conditions within agricultural sites (International Trade Centre UNCTAD). In addition to this, corporate social responsibility campaigns delivered directly by businesses can help raise awareness of any unethical practices occurring throughout their supply chains; allowing stakeholders and consumers alike hold those responsible accountable while encouraging new business models which prioritize sustainability above all else. Ultimately however it is up to each company individually whether they wish to take steps toward making positive change – but doing so will not only benefit society but also improve public image in turn helping increase profitability.
