ABSTRACT
A straightforward dictionary definition of globalisation is making something worldwide in scope or application. Whether viewed broadly in relation to business, or more narrowly in terms of finance and investment, globalisation has many implications for the relationship between people and nature, and for sustainable development. In the broad sense, globalisation means that we can now buy the same brands of terrible beer and fizzy drink in almost every country in the world. We can see this form of globalisation almost everywhere. It has come about because marketplaces that were once local are now increasingly global. Globalisation also encourages the harmonisation of laws and regulations across countries to reduce barriers to trade, and international trade agreements these days are as much about this, as they are about removing tariffs. One unwanted facet of globalisation is that the travel and trade it involves makes the spread of disease easier, and global pandemics more likely.
