Environmental Impacts Of Transnational Corporations In The Global South

This volume explores the impact of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) on the environment of the Global South during this period of neoliberal globalization. It develops themes around transnational extractive activity; the impact of transnational capital on indigenous populations, and the role played by international institutions,

This book (1st edition published in June 2020) examines the factors behind the growth of transnational corporations (TNCs) and multinational corporations (MNCs), and how they have become a major force in the increasing interdependence of national economies through their role in international trade, investment and capital. TNCs & MNCs have undoubtedly become key players in the process of globalisation, and vital to the economic development of emerging economies during recent decades. Yet, the geography of their ownership is also changing. The domination of the USA and Europe, as home to the world's largest companies is being challenged by the emergence of powerful corporations from the newly industrialised countries of Asia, particularly South Korea, India and China.The activities of TNCs & MNCs inevitably lead to significant economic, social and environmental consequences for their host countries, as well as on their own country of origin. Both positive and negative impacts are assessed, while case studies of Apple, BP and Dyson provide additional detailed examination of the characteristics, spatial organisation, growth and impacts of three global corporations. Although they differ in their history and geographical origins, product lines and scale of operations, they share a number of common features with each other, particularly in how their growth has facilitated and exploited the opportunities arising from the process of globalisation.Nevertheless, TNCs & MNCs are not all-powerful. They too can be affected by global events outside their control, illustrated most recently by the economic fallout from worldwide lockdowns. History also suggests that, in the battle for power and influence over economies, large corporations are frequently vulnerable to unpredictable decisions from governments; including sudden tax rises, the removal of 'licences' or even the expropriation of their assets.Chapters: Characteristics & Spatial Organisation of TNCs/MNCsReasons for the Growth of TNCs/MNCsImpacts of TNCs/MNCs on Host CountriesImpacts of TNCs/MNCs on the Country of OriginRole of TNCs/MNCs & Nation States in GlobalisationCase Study of Apple Inc.Case Study of BP plcCase Study of Dyson Ltd.Numerous discussion questions and multiple-choice review questions are included, along with graphs and photos, to create a more interactive and educational experience for the reader.It will be of relevance to A Level and IB Geography teachers and students, as well as anyone with an interest in the nature and impacts of transnational & multinational corporations, and their role in the global economy.

Based on an international meeting held in 1984 and sponsored by the World Resources Institute.

Research report examining the role and responsibility of multinational enterprises in environmental protection and natural resources management in developing countries - reviews the evolution of management attitude towards economic development, environmental policy and the contribution of MNEs from a private sector perspective; includes recommendations for a code of conduct and greater role of UN in environmental and natural resources protection.

Events like the Bhopal disaster, the sale of products harmful to human health and safety, and child labour, especially in resource-scarce settings, raise fundamental issues of human dignity and ecological integrity. From a legal perspective, and in the context of Foreign Direct Investment by Transnational Corporations in developing countries, they highlight the lacuna of a holistic international legal framework and its implementation. This book embodies a critique of the complex web of public international law principles on economics, human rights and the environment, and their convergence or lack thereof, related regional (South Asian) and domestic (Sri Lankan) legal arrangements, interventions of states and non-state actors towards just, equitable and sustainable development. It is a quest for a middle path in the multidisciplinary landscape of international law, development and North-South power dynamics; globalization of free trade and investment and of social and environmental interests; and salient aspects of the philosophical, socio-economic and legal fabric of South Asia, viewed against the evolving, controversial and elastic sphere of international relations and law where consensus has hitherto been an elusive dream.

If sustainable development is to become a reality, then transnational corporations must take their environmental responsibilities seriously. In the industrialised countries, some positive steps have been taken. The rhetoric of corporate environmental responsibility is also extending to developing countries, but very little is known about the extent of concrete changes there in the environmental performance of big business. This book explores what is happening in the developing world.Three principal questions are focused upon:* To what extent is the greening of business a reality in the South?* If large corporations are pursuing their business interests in an environmentally responsible manner, does this contribute significantly to sustainable development?* What combination of measures is likely to work in scaling up and deepening environmental good practice by companies in developing countries?The original research contained in this volume spans a number of major sectors - manufacturing, oil extraction, logging, and bioprospecting. Particular attention is paid to the experience of Brazil, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore and South Africa. Corporate self-regulation, environmental reporting and voluntary codes of conduct are examined. In addition, there are detailed studies of the complementary approaches that are necessary, including the regulatory measures and incentives which governments can put in place, and the increasingly well publicised role which citizens' movements and NGOs are playing in holding business to account for its environmental impact.This pioneering set of studies not only provides a rich seam of hard data on the environmental record of big business in the South, but even more importantly, it examines the strengths and weaknesses of a wide range of environmental policies and contexts, including the frequently contradictory pressures of the market place and public campaigns which impact on corporations in this critically important arena.

Situating the global poverty divide as an outgrowth of European imperialism, this book investigates current global divisions on environmental policy.