Globalism vs Localism: Is there a correct answer?
Localism in an economic sense, is not sensible, viable or in the best interest of consumers.
While many proponents of localism say that it is environmentally friendly because it reduces carbon emissions created through shipping, local production has not been proven to be less harmful to the environment than global trade. Regions typically specialize in different crops because their local environments offer conditions which are favorable to producing high yields of specific crops. Producing food locally does not take advantage of the specific crops which grow best in a region. This inefficient use of geographic and climatic factors could lead to increased fertilizer usage, land degradation, and lower yields (Sexton 2011). For example, if you live in Connecticut, and would like to enjoy a banana for breakfast, it would be impossible for one to go to the local market to buy a locally grown banana. Bananas, like any other crop, thrive under very particular climatic conditions. Bananas grown in Connecticut would not be an economically viable crop because they require a tropical climate year-round. Without extreme modifications to the environment, or indoor cultivation requiring extremely high inputs of energy, there will never be a Banana farm in Connecticut. Bananas grown in South America will always be a more efficient use of land and resources, therefor leading to cheaper product. This is just one example of the inefficiencies of the localist movement. Other reasons highlighting why globalism is a more viable option include:
Localism in an economic sense, is not sensible, viable or in the best interest of consumers.
While many proponents of localism say that it is environmentally friendly because it reduces carbon emissions created through shipping, local production has not been proven to be less harmful to the environment than global trade. Regions typically specialize in different crops because their local environments offer conditions which are favorable to producing high yields of specific crops. Producing food locally does not take advantage of the specific crops which grow best in a region. This inefficient use of geographic and climatic factors could lead to increased fertilizer usage, land degradation, and lower yields (Sexton 2011). For example, if you live in Connecticut, and would like to enjoy a banana for breakfast, it would be impossible for one to go to the local market to buy a locally grown banana. Bananas, like any other crop, thrive under very particular climatic conditions. Bananas grown in Connecticut would not be an economically viable crop because they require a tropical climate year-round. Without extreme modifications to the environment, or indoor cultivation requiring extremely high inputs of energy, there will never be a Banana farm in Connecticut. Bananas grown in South America will always be a more efficient use of land and resources, therefor leading to cheaper product. This is just one example of the inefficiencies of the localist movement. Other reasons highlighting why globalism is a more viable option include:
- Globalism is better suited to providing the necessities for the future of Earth’s population. Localism takes away from stability and betterment of economics, agriculture and social justice. (Sexton 2011)
- The idea that Localism is more environmentally friendly or sustainable is a myth. Local, small scale industry is inefficient, often requiring greater inputs of energy, labor and raw materials. (Desrochers 2013)
- Globalized chain stores tend to be more equitable, as there are much stronger policies keeping them in check, public pressures, and their reputations play a huge role in their success in every location across the world. (Desrochers 2013)
- Globalized food supply’s can provide reliable, diverse, and affordable foods to lower class citizens. Localism may be inequitable in that it puts financial strain on lower-class citizens who may not be able to afford the more expensive, locally grown products. (Desrochers 2013)
- Globalized food supply chains are more resilient and provide food security. (Desrochers 2013)
- Globalized food production has the capacity to feed the ever growing human population, localized may not. Areas with the largest concentrations of malnourished people such as Africa and Asia typically rely on subsistence farming and localized agriculture. (Desrochers 2013)