Critical Reflection: Next stage of my learning (Draft 3)

Through this course, I have generally gained more confidence in writing essays as I feel that I am more capable in producing a better quality of work now. In addition, I have gained more knowledge, particularly in grammar which allows my writings to show improvement.

At the start, I was confused with the different types of grammar such as noun and pronoun thus, when I received my marked Reflective Writing, I did not understand what my errors were and had to seek help from my classmates. Fortunately, with in-text editing, I can understand the use of grammar more clearly, therefore enhancing my overall writing. However, there are still occasional mistakes made so I have to be more attentive in finding the errors. In addition, through learning the application of connectors, I am able to construct longer sentences hence, my essays are more coherent and vibrant now. Furthermore, I appreciate the resource lists that are provided every week because I have gained information from them which I did not know initially. For instance, the 4QSR method has provided me with an easier way to do my readings as well as allowed me to retain the information from the readings for a longer period of time. 

In conclusion, the learning in ES1102 has benefited me to a high degree since it has built my English foundation thus, preparing me to enhance other English components such as vocabulary which I am also weak in. For the next stage of my learning, I will be focusing on expanding my vocabulary list by checking the meanings of words that I do not understand in the dictionary more frequently. In this manner, I hope that more time could be spent on writing the essay instead of finding synonyms. 

Globalization Essay: Edited

Globalization reduces world boundaries as it enables human interaction between each country. Despite the economic benefits, it complicates the environmental system and the effect of this phenomenon may be prominent in the tourism industry as it permits the flow of humans to different places of interest for various purposes when the spending power of an individual increases. Sustainable ecotourism is the fastest growing sector and its destinations are widely observed in the less developed countries as their exotic and uninterrupted areas have a lot to offer (Chavez, u.d.). However, it results in the paradox of ecotourism as more people visit an area, the probability of ecological crisis will be higher. Solutions to this problem include enforcing stricter standards and certification programmes. Despite globalization enabling the tourism industry to bloom, environmental deterioration can attest that ecotourism will not be sustainable unless proper measures are taken.

The dilemma of ecotourism is the change in the level of visitation whereby the number of people in an area at the same time exceeds its carrying capacity. The high number of tourist arriving has an adverse impact on the ecology, for instance, the world’s largest and highest Mount Everest has attracted mountain climbers to challenge themselves in reaching the summit. However, litter such as oxygen canisters and torn tents are left behind at the base camp. The huge amount of pollution has also shrunk the glaciers (Dewey, 2013) and as the number of climbers will not stop increasing, the erosion of the mountain trails will become a crisis in the near future. In addition, piles of human excretion discovered near a seasonal stream has led to contamination of the local water which is used by villagers staying downslope of the Himalayas thus, affecting their health (Goldenberg, 2011). Fortunately, stricter standards have been enforced in China and Nepal to solve this concern. Firstly, eco-tourists are to enter only when permits are issued and as they are highly priced (Kathumandu, 2013), it restricts potential climbers who are unable to afford it. Secondly, fewer permits are being issued every year which further reduces the number of climbers. Thirdly, climbers are to sign a deposit to ensure that equipment taken up will be returned (Robson, 2013). However these solutions are not very effective as they have flaws. It is still evident that many teams for example, the Saving Mount Everest project volunteers, are deployed for clean-up effort (Robson, 2013) and rich climbers are unlikely to bother about the small fees for littering. Moreover, they are prone to dispose of rubbish during their journey to reduce weight. The solutions should be complemented with educating climbers on proper waste disposal and a lesson should be attended to learn how climbers’ irresponsible behaviours can affect the indigenous society of the Himalayas and the importance of preserving the pristine beauties of nature. In addition, the governments can collaborate to install portable toilets which currently only an open pit is available and also to build waste treatment facilities so that rubbish could be recycled. Ultimately, effective waste management is as important as controlling the number of climbers entering.

The less developed countries view ecotourism as a prompt for economic and employment opportunity as well as an alternative method to rapid development. Therefore, they imposed on this wealth generating concept and deceive travellers through ‘greenwashing’. It refers to the “marketing scheme of attaching a ‘green’ label to travel services that do not technically classify as ecotourism.” (Egan, 2001; as cited in Dasenbrock, 2001) and this can be observed from the luxury hotels and tourist centers in Costa Rica which advertise themselves to appear “eco-friendly” (Dasenbrock, 2012). Fortunately, there are certification programmes such as the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) to monitor tourism companies by accrediting and grouping them based on the sustainability of their operations (Costa Rica Board of Tourism, 2013). Thus, this allows consumers and investors to select tourism venues to visit or invest in by referring to the sustainability ratings. This has been effective in sustaining ecological and social progress and forbidding irresponsible activities which delude consumers on what they offer. Lastly, with a country’s existing reputation as an elite tourism destination, a certified tourism company is definitely capable of retaining income and preserving the environment.

In conclusion, due to globalization, ecotourism is made possible. However, it can lead to environmental degradation which could be salvaged by ensuring that the enforced standards are being constantly updated to improve their effectiveness and implementing proper certification programmes. Despite all the advantages that globalization is able to bring, the most important thing is still to search for methods to allow economic growth and environmental conservation to coexist.

References:

Anywhere Costa Rica (2013). Costa Rica - Certification of Sustainable Tourism (CST). Retrieved fromhttp://www.anywherecostarica.com/sustainable/cst-sustainable-tourism

Chavez, R. (n.d.). Globalisation and tourism: Deadly mix for indigenous peoples. Retrieved from http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/chavez-cn.htm

Costa Rica Board of Tourism (2013). When and why it appears? Retrieved from http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=8&lang=en

Dasenbrock, J. (2001). The Pros and Cons of Ecotourism In Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://www1.american.edu/ted/costa-rica-tourism.htm

Dewey, C. (2013). Mount Everest is overcrowded, polluted and nearing a crossroads, 60 years after first climb. Retrieved fromhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/29/mount-everest-is-overcrowded-polluted-and-nearing-a-crossroads-60-years-after-first-climb/

Goldenberg, S. (2011). The mission to clean up Mount Everest | Environment. Retrieved fromhttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/oct/24/mission-clean-mount-everest

Kathamadu (2013). Growing concern over Mt Everest turning garbage dump. Retrieved fromhttp://www.earthconcernasia.org/news/news72.php

Narayan, S. (n.d.). Beyond the Surface: The Impacts Of Ecotourism In Costa Rica. Retrieved fromhttp://www.umich.edu/~csfound/545/1998/narayans/chap07.htm

Robson, S. (2013). Is clean-up finally in sight for the highest rubbish dump on earth? Team set to solve Everest’s pollution problem for good. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2328920/Team-set-solve-Mount-Everests-pollution-problem-good.html

Critical Reflection: Next Stage Of My Learning (Draft 2)

Through this course, I have generally gained more confidence in writing essays as I feel that I am more capable in producing a better quality work now. In addition, I have gained more knowledge, particularly in grammar which allows my writings to show improvement.

At the start, I was confused with the different types of grammar such as noun and pronoun thus, when I received my marked Reflective Writing, I did not understand what my errors were and had to seek help from my classmates. Fortunately, with in-text editing, I can understand the use of grammar more clearly, therefore enhancing my overall writing. However, there are still occasional mistakes made so I have to be more attentive in finding the errors. In addition, through learning the application of connectors, I am able to construct longer sentences hence, my essays are more coherent and vibrant now. Furthermore, I appreciate the resource lists that are provided every week because I have gained information out from them which I did not know initially. For instance, the 4QSR method has provided me with an easier way to do my readings as well as allowed me to better retain the information in the readings.

In conclusion, the learning in ES1102 has benefited me to a high degree since it has built my English foundation thus, preparing me to enhancing other English components such as vocabulary which I am also weak in. For the next stage of my learning, I will be focusing on expanding my vocabulary list by checking the meanings of words that I do not understand in the dictionary more frequently. In this manner, I hope that more time could be spent on writing the essay instead of finding synonyms. 

Critical Reflection: The next stage of my learning

Through this course, I have generally gain more confidence in writing essays as I feel that I am more capable in producing a better quality work now. In addition, I have gained more knowledge, particularly in Grammar which allow my writings to show improvement.

At the start, I was confused with the different types of grammar such as noun and pronoun thus, when I received my marked Reflective Writing, I did not understand what my errors were and had to seek help from my classmates. Fortunately, with in-text editing, I can understand the use of grammar more clearly, therefore enhancing my overall writing. However, there are still occasional mistakes made so I have to be more attentive in finding the errors. In addition, through learning the application of connectors, I am able to construct longer sentences hence, my essays are more coherent and vibrant now. Furthermore, I appreciate the resource lists that are provided every week because I have gained information out from them which I have never know initially. For instance, the 4QSR method has provided me with an easier way to do my readings as well as allowed me to better retain the information in the readings.

In conclusion, the learning in ES1102 have benefited me to a high degree since it has built my English foundation thus, prepare me to take a step into enhancing other English components such as vocabulary which I am also weak in. For the next stage of my learning, I will be focusing on expanding my vocabulary list by checking the meanings of words that I do not understand in the dictionary more frequently. In this manner, I hope that more time could be spent on writing the essay instead of finding synonyms. 

Globalization Essay: Final

Globalization reduces world boundaries as it enables human interaction between each country. Despite the economic benefits, it complicates the environmental system and the effect of this phenomenon may be prominent in the tourism industry as it permits the flow of humans to different places of interest for various purposes when the spending power of an individual increases. Sustainable ecotourism is the fastest growing sector and its destinations are widely observed in the less developed countries as their exotic and uninterrupted areas have a lot to offer (Chavez, u.d.). However, it results in the paradox of ecotourism as more people visit an area, the probability of ecological crisis will be higher. Solutions to this problem include enforcing stricter standards and certification programmes. Hence, with globalization, it enables the tourism industry to bloom however, environmental deterioration can attest that ecotourism will not be sustainable unless proper measures are taken.

The dilemma of ecotourism is the change in the level of visitation whereby the number of people in an area at the same time exceeds its carrying capacity. The high number of tourist arriving has an adverse impact on the ecology, for instance, the world’s largest and highest Mount Everest has attracted mountain climbers to challenge themselves in reaching the summit. However, litter such as oxygen canisters and torn tents are left behind at the base camp. The huge amount of pollution has also shrunk the glaciers (Dewey, 2013) and as the number of climbers will not stop increasing, the erosion of the mountain trails will become a crisis in the near future. In addition, piles of human excretion discovered near a seasonal stream has led to contamination of the local water which is used by villagers staying downslope of the Himalayas thus, affecting their health (Goldenberg, 2011). Fortunately, stricter standards have been enforced in China and Nepal to solve this concern. Firstly, eco-tourists are to enter only when permits are issued and as they are highly priced (Kathumandu, 2013), it restricts desired climbers who are unable to afford it. Secondly, fewer permits are being issued every year which further reduces the number of climbers. Thirdly, climbers are to sign a deposit to ensure that equipment taken up will be returned (Robson, 2013). However these solutions are not very effective as they have flaws. It is still evident that many teams for example, the Saving Mount Everest project volunteers, are deployed for clean-up effort (Robson, 2013) and rich climbers are unlikely to bother about the small fees for littering. Moreover, they are prone to dispose of rubbish during their journey to reduce weight. The solutions should be complemented with educating climbers on proper waste disposal and a lesson should be attended to learn how climbers’ irresponsible behaviours can affect the indigenous society of the Himalayas and the importance of preserving the pristine beauties of nature. In addition, the governments can collaborate to install portable toilets which currently only an open pit is available and also to build waste treatment facilities so that rubbish could be recycled. Ultimately, effective waste management is as important as controlling the number of climbers entering.

The less developed countries view ecotourism as a prompt for economic and employment opportunity as well as an alternative method to rapid development. Therefore, they imposed on this wealth generating concept and deceive travellers through ‘greenwashing’. It refers to the “marketing scheme of attaching a ‘green’ label to travel services that do not technically classify as ecotourism.” (Egan, 2001; as cited in Dasenbrock, 2001) and this can be observed from the luxury hotels and tourist centers in Costa Rica which advertise themselves to appear “eco-friendly” (Dasenbrock, 2012). Fortunately, there are certification programmes such as the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) to monitor tourism companies by accrediting and grouping them based on the sustainability of their operations (Costa Rica Board of Tourism, 2013). Thus, this allows consumers and investors to select tourism venues to visit or invest in by referring to the sustainable ratings. This has been effective in sustaining ecological and social progress and forbidding irresponsible activities which delude consumers on what they offer. Lastly, with a country’s existing reputation as an elite tourism destination, a certified tourism company is definitely capable of retaining income and preserving the environment.

In conclusion, due to globalization, ecotourism is made possible. However, it can lead to environmental degradation which could be salvaged by ensuring that the enforced standards are being constantly updated to improve their effectiveness and implementing proper certification programmes. Despite all the advantages that globalization is able to bring, the utmost important thing is still to search for methods to allow economic growth and environmental conservation to coexist.

References:

Anywhere Costa Rica (2013). Costa Rica - Certification of Sustainable Tourism (CST). Retrieved from http://www.anywherecostarica.com/sustainable/cst-sustainable-tourism

Chavez, R. (n.d.). Globalisation and tourism: Deadly mix for indigenous peoples. Retrieved from http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/chavez-cn.htm

Costa Rica Board of Tourism (2013). When and why it appears? Retrieved from http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=8&lang=en

Dasenbrock, J. (2001). The Pros and Cons of Ecotourism In Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://www1.american.edu/ted/costa-rica-tourism.htm

Dewey, C. (2013). Mount Everest is overcrowded, polluted and nearing a crossroads, 60 years after first climb. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/29/mount-everest-is-overcrowded-polluted-and-nearing-a-crossroads-60-years-after-first-climb/

Goldenberg, S. (2011). The mission to clean up Mount Everest | Environment. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/oct/24/mission-clean-mount-everest

Kathamadu (2013). Growing concern over Mt Everest turning garbage dump. Retrieved from http://www.earthconcernasia.org/news/news72.php

Narayan, S. (n.d.). Beyond the Surface: The Impacts Of Ecotourism In Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://www.umich.edu/~csfound/545/1998/narayans/chap07.htm

Robson, S. (2013). Is clean-up finally in sight for the highest rubbish dump on earth? Team set to solve Everest’s pollution problem for good. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2328920/Team-set-solve-Mount-Everests-pollution-problem-good.html

Globalization Essay

Globalization reduces world boundaries as it enables human interactions between each countries. Despite the economic benefits, it complicates the environmental system and the effect of this phenomenon may be prominent in the tourism industry. It permits the flow of humans to different places of interest for various purposes when the spending power of an individual increases. The ecotourism, a sustainable tourism, is the fastest growing sector and its destinations are widely observed in the less developed countries as their exotic and uninterrupted areas have a lot to offer. (Chavez, u.d.) However, it results in the paradox of ecotourism as more people visit an area, the probability of ecological crisis will be higher. Solutions to this problem include enforcing stricter standards and certification programmes. Hence, through globalization, it enables the tourism industry to bloom however, environmental deterioration will attest that ecotourism will not be sustainable unless proper measures are taken.

The dilemma on ecotourism is on the change in the level of visitation whereby the number of people in an area at the same time exceeds its carrying capacity. The immense arrival of tourists brings adverse impacts to the ecology, for instance, the world’s largest and highest Mount Everest has attracted mountain climbers to challenge themselves in reaching the summit. However, litters such as oxygen canisters and torn tents were left behind at the base camp. The huge amount of pollution has also shrunk the glaciers (Dewey, 2013) and as the number of climbers will not stop increasing, the erosion of the mountain trail will become a crisis in the near future. In addition, piles of human excretion discovered near a seasonal stream has led to contamination of the local water which is used by villagers staying downslope of the Himalayas thus, affecting their health (Goldenberg, 2011). Stricter standards have been enforced in China and Nepal to solve this concern. Firstly, Eco-tourists are to enter only when permits are issued and as they are highly priced (Kathumandu, 2013), it restricts desire climbers who are unable to afford. Secondly, fewer permits are being issued every year which further reduces the number of climbers. Thirdly, climbers are to sign a deposit to ensure that equipment taken up will be returned (Robson, 2013). However these solutions are not very effective as they have flaws. It is still evident that many teams for instance, the Saving Mount Everest project volunteers, are deployed for clean-up effort (Robson, 2013) and rich climbers are unlikely to bother about the small fees for littering. Moreover, they are prone to dispose rubbish during their journey to reduce weight. The solutions should be complement with educating climbers on proper waste disposal. A lesson should be attended to learn how climbers’ irresponsible behaviours affect the indigenous society of Himalayas and the importance of preserving the pristine beauty of nature. The governments can collaborate to install portable toilets which currently only an open pit is available and to build waste treatment facilities so that rubbish could be recycled. Proper waste management is as important as controlling the number of climbers entering.

The less developed countries viewed ecotourism as a prompt for economic and employment opportunity as well as an alternative method to a quick development. Therefore, they imposed on this wealth generating concept by conducting environmentally disruptive practices to advertise their business as ecotourism. Fortunately, certification programmes are available to monitor companies’ activities. For instance, in Costa Rica, with the aid of the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) Program, tourism companies are accredited and grouped based on the sustainability of their operations (Costa Rica Board of Tourism, 2013). It allows consumers and investors to select tourism venue to visit or invest by referring to the sustainable ratings. It has been effective in sustaining ecological and social progresses and forbid irresponsible activities which delude consumers on what they offered. In addition, the local economy can be diversified by developing other sectors of tourism thus, reducing the distress impacted on the areas for ecotourism. With a country’s existing reputation as an elite tourism destination, a tourism company is able to either be certified or utilized other areas as both are capable of retaining income and preserving the environment.

Due to globalization, ecotourism is made possible however, it leads to a damage to the environment. This could be salvaged by proper certification programmes and ensuring that the enforced standards is being constantly amended to improve its effectiveness. Despite all the advantages that globalization is able to bring, if the ecological environment is destroyed, does that means that humanity is ruined too?

References:

Anywhere Costa Rica (2013). Costa Rica - Certification of Sustainable Tourism (CST). Retrieved from http://www.anywherecostarica.com/sustainable/cst-sustainable-tourism

Chavez, R. (n.d.). Globalisation and tourism: Deadly mix for indigenous peoples. Retrieved from http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/chavez-cn.htm

Costa Rica Board of Tourism (2013). When and why it appears? Retrieved from http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=8&lang=en

Dewey, C. (2013). Mount Everest is overcrowded, polluted and nearing a crossroads, 60 years after first climb. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/29/mount-everest-is-overcrowded-polluted-and-nearing-a-crossroads-60-years-after-first-climb/

Goldenberg, S. (2011). The mission to clean up Mount Everest | Environment. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/oct/24/mission-clean-mount-everest

Kathamadu (2013). Growing concern over Mt Everest turning garbage dump. Retrieved from http://www.earthconcernasia.org/news/news72.php

Narayan, S. (n.d.). Beyond the Surface: The Impacts Of Ecotourism In Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://www.umich.edu/~csfound/545/1998/narayans/chap07.htm

Robson, S. (2013). Is clean-up finally in sight for the highest rubbish dump on earth? Team set to solve Everest’s pollution problem for good. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2328920/Team-set-solve-Mount-Everests-pollution-problem-good.html

Reader's Response: Assessing Globalization

In “Assessing Globalization”, Andrew Kohut and Richard Wike (2008) offered an extensive look at the advantages and detrimental effects of Globalization throughout the world. They focused on how the economic aspect enables a country to prosper; particularly the less developed countries and how it on the other hand, lead to a growing gap between the rich and the poor, environmental degradation as well as a loss of local and national traditions resulted from the increase in immigrates and thus, their influences to a country. In addition, they discussed which country to fault for all these adverse outcomes by conducting a poll and the result that they have gathered shows the United States as it is noted as the country whose economy and culture have the most immense impact on globalization. 

In regard to the last point, the poll conducted against 47 countries also shows that “What people do not like about globalization they often blame on America.” (Kohut and Wike, 2008). This belief is present for all three consequences; income disparity, environmental problems and vanishing of culture. On the contrary, they stated that this perception is not generally due to globalization, but also the clashes of foreign codes implemented by the United States.

While I agree with them on the point that it is due to the United States’ sole authority to interfere in the foreign affairs which leads to a consensus view towards Anti-Americanism, I disagree that they should be fully blamed for the consequences of globalization. Although the United States is partly responsible, the fact that the rest of the developed countries are also contributing to the problem should not be overlooked so they should not get the entire blame just because one thinks that they are the most influential country.

In my opinion, firstly, the increase in gap between the rich and the poor is due to the increase in earning inequalities from the decreasing wages of staff as production facilities shift over to the less developed countries to enable a cheaper production. Secondly, the global trade has allowed more demand for resources which leads to the clearance of land for infrastructures, destroying of natural habitats, causing pollution and eventually leading to global warming which is a drastic problem. Lastly, as people from different countries come together to seek for a job, there will be a cultural diffusion in order to accommodate and through this, the original traditions and cultures will be lost. 

Therefore, I believe that any countries; most likely the developed countries that have the abilities to set up their production facilities in the less developed countries for example Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, are already contributing to the first issue along with the second and the third which are both a repercussion of the first.

With the information that I have provided, I affirm my stand that the blame for the detrimental sequences should not be based on one’s judgement according to the most thriving country. 

Reference:
Kohut, A., & Wike, R. (2008, June 24). Assessing Globalization | Pew Global Attitudes Project. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.pewglobal.org/2008/06/24/assessing-globalization