Globalization and Covid-19 Global Pandemic

Globalization has become a complicated process provoking fierce debates from the 1990s
to the 2000s, including the often-contradictory opinions and views (Fiedler, 2020). Scholars
regard globalization as a new form of oppressiveness, inequality, and an immoral corporative
business. It has accelerated democratization, becoming a suitable recipe for civilization clashes.
In numerous debates, the problems of reversed globalization or de-globalization have been
significantly omitted (Fiedler, 2020). Authors and researchers have praised various aspects of
globalization, making globalization intensity an overwhelming process. Notably, globalization is
much less regarded as a reality in other fields, except in economics. Exploiting the globalization
opportunities presented by technological progress requires a reasonably peaceful world for
inducing economic agents. Indeed, globalization permits an increased level of global output.
The global Covid-19 pandemic is responsible for a dramatic loss of human life
worldwide, presenting an unprecedented challenge to food systems, public health, and the world
of work. The social and economic disruptions perpetrated by this global pandemic are
devastating since many people risk enduring extreme poverty while millions of businesses face
an existential threat. Approximately half of the worldwide workforce risk losing their
livelihoods, and informal workers in various economies are increasingly vulnerable due to a lack
of access to quality healthcare, social protection, and productive assets (Blum & Neumärker,
2020). While workers have increasingly lost their jobs, companies and other business
organizations have either switched to short-time work or completely closed (Hite Seitz, 2021).
Many suppliers, artists, cultural workers, and small businesses cannot continue. Amid the
increasing spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, fiscal markets have globally stumbled in reaction to
the pandemic, with more economies experiencing economic distress. This paper aims at

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identifying factors that make globalization and Covid-19 pandemic severe risks to the global
environment, the roles played by humans in aggravating these threats to the earth’s environment,
and the initiatives that can be taken by the worldwide community to mitigate the worst effects of
globalization and Covid-19 pandemic.
Factors that Make Globalization and Covid-19 Global Pandemic Serious Risks to the

Global Environment

Globalization
Globalization is associated with numerous factors which make it a severe risk to the
global environment because of its affiliated socio-economic effects on the Globalization index
(Shehzad et al., 2021). On average, globalization is associated with positive consequences for
nations based on gender equality, economic growth, and human rights. On the negative side,
however, globalization may propagate inequalities within a country (Farzanegan, Feizi, &
Gholipour, 2021). Dimensions of social globalization comprise many information and
interpersonal categories. Under economic globalization, scholars and researchers consider
economic and trade dimensions as factors that make it a severe risk to the global environment
(Shehzad et al., 2021).
Political dimensions, as noted by Farzanegan, Feizi, and Gholipour (2021), consider the
degree of integrating globalization in the global politics of many countries. When globalization
incorporates multiple facets that, when taken together, can have more significant effects than
their total constituent parts, it is logical for researchers and scholars to evaluate these impacts
jointly. Notably, complex indices offer an outstanding and effective way of accomplishing this
because they offer a single measurement concerning the comparisons that can be founded
without the mystifying impacts of discrepancy at lower aggregation levels (Farzanegan, Feizi, &

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Gholipour, 2021). Researchers have developed numerous control variables to solve the factors
that make globalization a severe risk to the global environment (Shehzad et al., 2021). These
factors include GDP per capita, demographic configuration, population concentration,
governance index, health structure capability, and healthcare costs (Farzanegan, Feizi, &
Gholipour, 2021). GDP per capita captures the obtainable state capacity and financial properties
used to test and record globalization statistics.
Graphical Representation

Fig 1: Globalization index (Source: Blum & Neumärker, 2021).
While countries such as the United States and Germany have had comparatively little
globalization growth from the 1980s, globalization increase is experienced in former emerging
economies, for example, China (Blum & Neumärker, 2021). Findings from empirical studies
thereby show the direct connection between globalization and financial development.
Progressively inexpensive products caused by growing production and productivity in most
third-world countries are responsible for the current rise in global inequality and environmental
issues (Blum & Neumärker, 2021). Global networking favors the mobility of people and trade
both in the private sector and the job market. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in examining
the management of global externality to counter environmental damage and climate change. The

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free movement of services, goods, people, and information across national and international
borders is achieved by the movement of environmental externalities and emissions arising from a
national level to become nationwide and global problems (Blum & Neumärker, 2021).
Covid-19 Pandemic
The emergence and spread of Covid-19 are also associated with numerous factors that
make it a severe risk to the global environment. Notably, this pandemic is related to habitat
destruction, urbanization, international travel, live animal trade, and intensive livestock farming
(Barouki et al., 2021). It is also associated with many complications such as acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, septic shock, organ failure, and death, making it a severe
threat to the health of many people worldwide. Poor economies worldwide find it challenging to
try and diagnose coronavirus cases and may show less concern about the significances of its
outbreak because of lower opportunity costs (Shehzad et al., 2021). Covid-19 infects individuals
regardless of age-based factors and the demographic structure. However, research findings have
shown that the rate of Covid-19 infection is possibly age-dependent because older individuals are
at higher risks of contracting severe coronavirus disease (Farzanegan, Feizi, & Gholipour, 2021).
Early data obtained from China indicate that many deaths caused by Covid-19 occur in
older individuals above 60 years old. These death rates are also higher in people with serious
underlying diseases. Hence, uncontrolled Covid-19 has a lower death toll among the younger
population. A higher population density, as argued by Farzanegan, Feizi, and Gholipour (2021),
means that there is more interaction among people causing a higher risk of contagion. Research
findings indicate that population density significantly affects epidemic outbreaks. The
governance index and its role in managing the current global pandemic are crucial hence should
be taken into account (Shehzad et al., 2021). Countries more disposed to political uncertainty,

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corruption, and lack of accountability and transparency of a government to its people can less
efficiently manage Covid-19 expansion and the implementation of measures for controlling the
crisis (Farzanegan, Feizi, & Gholipour, 2021). Public health organizations, modern
infrastructure, and effective medical treatment have significant control over the number of
individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, keeping them beneath the required critical
threshold for widespread transmission.
Role Played by Humans in Aggravating the Threats of Globalization and the Covid-

19 Pandemic

Globalization
According to Blum and Neumärker (2021), the root of globalization run far more
profound, tracing back to neoliberal economic and political actions and the dynamic
globalization forces. Increasing liberalization and globalization of markets have heightened the
increasing privatization of numerous public goods, collectivizing jeopardies such as pandemics,
ecological tragedies, and economic catastrophes (Bickley et al., 2021). Research findings by
scholars and researchers have presented the emergence and context of globalization by deriving
the implications of public strategy in the externality areas of digitalization, administration, and
basic income (Blum & Neumärker, 2021). The connection between environmental damage
caused by globalization and economic growth is not new to the conversation and has been
studied by many researchers and scholars (Blum & Neumärker, 2021). Increased economic
activity has led to increased consumption of finite resources despite the current improvement
inefficiency. Undoubtedly, the current financial system is unsustainable (Bickley et al., 2021).
The destruction of the human living environment caused by the spilling effects of globalization
has become a significant long-term threat (Blum & Neumärker, 2021). In 1972, for example, the

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Club of Rome declared that infinite economic growth and development was impossible in a
world of finite resources, leading to appeals for a transition to economic growth. In the last
century, a global financial system has been developed to equate development and social security,
and welfare.
During times of crisis, Blum and Neumärker (2021) argue that economic growth can
solve social and economic problems. Simultaneously, the human-made impacts of financial
systems on biodiversity, air equality, climate, and other environmental parameters, food, and
water security, justice, and inequality pose a significant threat to long-term human health.
Scholars and researchers have developed numerous approaches for addressing the degree and
concept of globalization. As noted by Blum and Neumärker (2021), a more complex approach
for measuring the impacts of globalization amid the current covid-19 pandemic incorporate
comparing multiple methods of measuring globalization and presenting a systematic procedure
founded on an analysis of trade flows and networks. Notably, globalization is crucial for
describing the process of establishing connection networks among actors of multi- or intra-
continental distances, interceded through various flows, comprising data and ideas, people,
goods, and capital (Bickley et al., 2021). Globalization integrates national cultures, economies,
governance, and technologies, erode national boundaries, and produces multifaceted relations of
mutual interdependence.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Human beings have played a critical role in aggravating the threats caused by the
emergence and spread of Covid-19 globally. Increased population mobility, globalization in
trade, and global travel are significant human influences concerning the emergence, re-
emergence, transmission, and spread of infectious diseases affecting significant human

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populations within the 21 st century (Bickley et al., 2021). The complexity level concerning the
maintenance of re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases such as Covid-19 has spiraled with
the increased incidence and ease of global travel, along with substantial worldwide economic,
social, and political integration (Bickley et al., 2021). The crisis necessitates large-scale
behavioral change, placing significant psychological burdens on healthcare professionals.
Research insights from behavioral and social sciences are crucial for aligning human behavior
with epidemiological recommendations and public health experts (Van Bavel et al., 2020).
The rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic has brought many countries worldwide to a
state of health crisis, driving many nations to the social and economic crisis. The coronavirus
pandemic is increasingly occurring in a highly globalized system that can be quickly followed in
the global production chains. Considering influenza pandemics and many vector-borne and
infectious diseases, the only certainty is founded on the increasing impulsiveness of the
emergence, characteristics, origins, and biological pathways of propagating pandemic-potential
contagious diseases such as coronavirus. While health workers, including nurses and doctors, are
at the frontline of the outbreak response, they remain exposed to hazards. This puts them at risk
of contracting a covid-19 infection with an outbreak pathogen. These hazards include long
working hours, pathogen exposure, fatigue, psychological distress, stigma, occupational burnout,
and psychological and physical violence (Van Bavel et al., 2020). Managers and employers in
healthcare facilities must assume overall responsibility in ensuring that all necessary protective
and preventive measures are taken towards minimizing health risks and occupational safety of
health workers worldwide.
Initiatives that can be taken by the Global Community to Mitigate the Worst Effects

of Globalization and Current Covid-19 Pandemic

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Globalization
Contemporary and future global challenges necessitate significantly more decisive
actions and better international cooperation to avoid worst-case scenarios. The selected
organizations should be assessed to establish their access, knowledge, and proven aptitude in
providing rapid responses to unfolding events (International Finance Corporation, 2021). The
global community and organizations need to articulate reforms to enhance transparency and
mechanisms for demanding accountability regarding critical issues, considering that most
organizations are not hermetically impenetrable from the environments in which they operate
and exist (International Finance Corporation, 2021). In times of crisis, International Labour
Organisation (ILO) (2020) argues that International Labor Standards provides a robust basis for
key policy responses focused on the critical role played by decent work in achieving an equitable
and sustained recovery. These standards are adopted by representatives of employers’ and
workers’ organizations and governments to provide a human-centered approach towards
development and growth. This includes triggering policy levers that protect enterprises and
workers and stimulate demand.
Notably, these policy responses should be focused on achieving economic support and
health protection measures on both the supply- and demand-side (ILO, 2020). Policy-makers
must establish large-scale, pro-active, and integrated measures across policy areas to make
sustainable and substantial impacts on the global environment. Institutional renewal should be
founded on reconsidering the priorities of international politics. Arguably, existential threats
necessitate policy research and policymaking imbalances (Caballero-Anthony et al., 2020). The
challenges related to biodiversity should be considered at the top of the international agenda.
Researchers and scholars argue that biosecurity remains marginal in analyzing priorities and

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forecasting emerging threats (CHO, Minsuk, & KIM, 2021). Biotechnological advancements
have beneficial effects on global and national security. Therefore, Caballero-Anthony et al.
(2020) find that international governance institutions are increasingly developing news rules for
placing bans and limits on research in certain areas of biomedicine and biotechnology to help
mitigate the worst effects of globalization by creating tools for agile, appropriate, and
comprehensive verification and control (Caballero-Anthony et al., 2020).
Covid-19 Global Pandemic
Coulibaly and Madden (2020) recommend various approaches for handling the economic
and health effects caused by Covid-19 in Africa and the world, including containing the spread
of the virus, ensuring healthcare organizations are well prepared to treat affected individuals, and
making preparations to cushion economic effects caused by the pandemic. The current rapid
evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic necessitates careful monitoring of the indirect and direct
impacts of all interventions to ensure that the policy responses stay relevant (ILO, 2020).
Building trust through dialogue and confidence is essential for making policy measures aimed at
mitigating the worst effects of globalization and Covid-19 and making sustained and robust
impacts. During times of intensified social tension and absence of trust in many international
institutions, reliance on and reinforced social dialogue mechanisms facilitates the establishment
of a strong foundation for establishing commitment for workers and employers to joint action
with governments (ILO, 2020). Notably, preliminary work has commenced in numerous
countries concerning the next phase of recovery, and the role played by solid public action
towards providing replacement income, boosting demand, and facilitating new investments
(Hammer & Hallegatte, 2020). The recovery phase can be crucial in building resilience and
prosperity by contributing to the long-term sustainability and potential of a nation’s growth

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pathway. Considering the lack of action by essential global political bodies in handling the
current spread of Covid-19 and globalization, Caballero-Anthony et al. (2020) recommend that
sufficient resources and efforts be channeled to technocratic and flexible international
organizations.

Conclusion

Amid the increasingly globalized world, financial markets have universally fallen in
response to the pandemic. More countries are increasingly experiencing economic distress.
Financial and trade dimensions are factors that make globalization and the Covid-19 pandemic a
serious risk to the global environment. The association between environmental damage caused
by globalization and economic growth is not new to the debate and has been studied by many
researchers and scholars. The human-made impacts of financial systems on biodiversity, air
equality, climate, and other environmental parameters, food, and water security, justice, and
inequality pose a significant threat to long-term human health and global growth and
development.
Poor economies around the world find it challenging to examine and analyze cases of
coronavirus hence showing less concern about the costs of its outbreak because of lower
opportunity costs. Public health organizations, modern infrastructure, and professional medical
treatment have significant control over the number of individuals affected by the Covid-19
pandemic, keeping them below the necessary critical threshold for widespread and epidemic
spread. Crises such as the current Covid-19 global pandemic makes economic growth capable of
solving social and economic problems.

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