Global Food Production

       There are many problems with today’s global food production. Food production goes beyond what we would think, many cultures celebrate food in their religion, and they also celebrate agriculture. But there are ugly truths to today’s global food production. The four main problems with global food production today are,” An increasing population wants a more varied diet, but is trying to grow more food on less land with limited access to water, all the time facing increased costs for fertilizer, and fuel for storage and transport” (Global Food Security). Meaning the increasing population wants more foods to choose from and better food choices. They also want are trying to grow more food on little amount of land and with a scarce amount of water. Also they are trying to make all of these improvements with to food production, but with the increase cost of fertilizer it is going to difficult to do. We are also not including the fact that there is a fuel shortage and we need a lot of fuel to store and transport the food. These are only a few of the problems the world is facing when it comes to global food production.

            Food production in Belize is, “ agriculture continues to provide over 70 per cent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings, and employs almost a third of the total labor force. About half of the land used for agriculture is under pasture, with the remainder planted to a variety of permanent and annual crops. The traditional system of milpa (shifting cultivation) involves the annual clearing of new land for crop production but, with increasing land pressure, the practice is no longer sustainable and a greater number of farmers make permanent use of cleared land” (New Agriculturalist). Belize seems to be facing many of the same problems that everyone is facing, however they still continue to produce things like grapefruit, bananas, peppers, and oranges.

Figure 1: Pictured above is the rice production project in Belize.

Works Cited:

"Global Issues." - Global Food Security. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014

"Country Profile- Belize." New Agriculturalist. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014

Figure source:

https://www.google.com/search

GNP

                The Gross National Product, also known as the GNP, and Gross Domestic Product, is the market value of all the products and services produced in one year by labor and property supplied by the citizens of a country. “This means that all production is summed in terms of their market prices, only the value of final goods is included (as opposed to including the value of all intermediate sales), and only the output of productive factors located in a particular nation is counted. Already, some of the shortcomings of GDP as a measure of social welfare can be inferred” (Hanseconomics). One shortcoming of GNP that is stated from the website Hanseconomics, “Perhaps the most significant shortcoming of GDP as a measure of economic growth is its inclusion of government spending alongside other voluntary market transactions”. Meaning its biggest problem is that it is only including things that are regulated. Another shortcoming of GNP is, “GDP also fails to discount those economic activities that do not directly raise individual welfare. Military spending is the most obvious example of such an activity. While defense services may be seen as necessary to allow other economic activities to flourish, they are not valued for their own sake” (Hanseconomics). Belize however, “Over the 20-year history of the Index, Belize’s economic freedom score has declined by 6.2 points, the 12th largest rating deterioration” (2014 Index of Economic Freedom). Belize is ranked twenty first out of twenty nine countries in Central America when it comes to their Gross National Product.

Figure 1: pictured above is graph of Belize's GDP/GNP

Work Cited:

HansEconomics. "The Shortcomings of GDP as a Measure of Economic Growth." HansEconomics. HansEconomics, 29 Jan. 2012. Web. 3 Dec. 2014

2014 Index of Economic Freedom. "Belize." 2014 Index of Economic Freedom. 2014 Index of Economic Freedom, n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.

Figure source:

Figure 1: https://www.google.com/search?

Categories of Culture

            Culture as defined in the textbook Globalization and diversity is, “learned and shared behavior by a group of people that gives them a distinct way of life. Culture is made up of material, technology, tools, and abstract speech, religion and even values” (G-3). There are four categories of culture. One category is called cultural imperialism which is, “the active promotion of one cultural system over another, such as the implantation of new language, school system, or bureaucracy. Historically, cultural imperialism has been primarily associated with European colonialism”(Globalization and Diversity G-3). Cultural Imperialism is when one culture is pushed on the people over another culture. A second category is called cultural landscape, which is “ a physical or natural landscape that has been changed considerably by the influences of human settlement” Globalization and Diversity G-3). Cultural landscape is when people of a certain culture come in and change everything dramatically to fit their beliefs and culture. A third category is known as cultural nationalism which is “the process of protecting, either formally or informally, the primary of a certain cultural system against influences from another culture” (Globalization and Diversity G-3). The fourth category of culture is called cultural syncretism/hybridism, meaning, “the blending of two or more cultures, which produces a synergistic third culture that exhibits traits from all cultural parents” (Globalization and Diversity G-3); an example of cultural syncretism/hybridism is Christianity. Culture in Belize consists of “The different groups speak their own languages, but the language spoken across ethnic lines is a form of pidgin English called Creole. There is much bilingualism and multilingualism. English is taught in all primary schools; however, its use is limited to official discourse and it appears more often in the written form than in the spoken, “which is from the article “countries and their Cultures”. I believe that all four of the cultural categories are incorporated into all societies, countries, communities, states, and all over the world.

Work Cited:

Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.

"Countries and Their Cultures." Culture of Belize. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014.

Population Growth

                There are many way statistics, and ways to measure population. One way, that is described in the textbook Globalization and Diversity, is called The Rate of National Increase or RNI, “which provides the annual growth rate for a country or region as a percentage. This statistic is produced by subtracting the number of deaths from the number of births in a given year” (21). Another measurement that the textbook uses is called The Total Fertility Rate or the TFR. The (TFR) predicts future growth it is “ an artificial and synthetic number that measures the fertility of a statistically fictitious, yet average group of young women moving through their childbearing years” (22). Another measure that helps predicts population growth is called the Population Pyramid. The Pyramid is, “a graph that depicts the percentage of population that is male or female in different age classes, from young to old” (23). Another way of measuring population growth is by using something that is called a Demographic Transition Model. A Demographic Transition Model is, “ a conceptualization that tracked the changes in birthrates and death rates over time” (24).

            Belize seems to use the Rate of Natural Increase as their way of measuring the growth rate of their country. From the website “Trading Economics” I found that, “The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Belize expanded 9.94 percent in the second quarter of 2014 over the previous quarter. GDP Growth Rate in Belize averaged 1.26 percent from 1994 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 13.45 percent in the fourth quarter of 2000 and a record low of -10.63 percent in the first quarter of 2001. GDP Growth Rate in Belize is reported by the Statistical Institute of Belize” (Trading Economics).

Figure 1: pictured above is a graph that shows the GDP of Belize.

           

The U.S. also uses the Rate of Natural Increase method that Belize uses. Taken from the “U.S. Population Growth Slows to just 0.71%” is that, “the the Census Bureau projects the nation's population on New Year's Day will be 317,297,938, an increase of 2,218,622, or 0.7%, from New Year's Day 2013” (Population Growth).

Figure 2: Pictured above is a graph that shows the predictions of the U.S. population growth.

Works Cited:

"Belize Gdp Growth Rate 1994-2014 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast."Belize Gdp Growth Rate. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014.

Toppo, Greg, and Paul Overberg. "U.S. Population Growth Slows to Just 0.71%." USA Today. Gannett, 07 Oct. 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.

Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.

Figure sources:

Figure 1: "Belize Gdp Growth Rate 1994-2014 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast."Belize Gdp Growth Rate. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014.

Figure 2: https://www.google.com/search

Globalization throughout the world and Belize

           Globalization, as defined by the textbook, Globalization and Diversity, is “the increasing interconnectedness of people and places through converging economic, political, and cultural activities” (Globalization 4).  One argument made by supporters of globalization is that it creates prosperity, even for places that would otherwise be in poverty.  New technology and opportunities create news jobs and the spread of information.  Another argument is the spreading of cultures.  As globalization continues to spread, we can learn more about other places and learn about their ways of life.  On the other hand, an argument against globalization is the destruction of natural ecosystems.  As development grows, natural resources decrease.  While we may be learning about other cultures, we may also be destroying them.  It is possible that globalization can “Americanize” rich cultures of other regions.  There is also a middle position that sees the pros and cons of globalization.  The bad and the good outweigh each other, and globalization can’t be avoided.

           In my opinion, moderate globalization over time is good for the world as a whole.  As technology advances, globalization is seen all over the world.  I see globalization as a way to expand knowledge of other places and cultures, as well as spread new ideas and concepts to help he world grow. 

           Belize can be seen as a contradiction when it comes to globalization.  It has lots of development, but is still one of the least developed countries in Latin America.  Because of the poverty that still exists in Belize, missionaries take trips to Belize to do work, such as building schools and churches.  This can be seen as a good side of globalization, because missionaries bring assistance to those who need it while also learning about another culture. 

                                      Figure 1: Globalization can be seen in all parts of the world.  

Works cited:

 "Belize." EduDeo Ministries. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. <https://edudeo.com/get-inspired/countries/belize/>.

   

  Kliessen, Kevin. "Publications." Crossing Borders: The Globalization Debate. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. <https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/itv/articles/?id=1215>.

Rowntree, Lester. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2014. 4-10. Print.

Figure sources:

Figure 1: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/w/walmart.asp

Kyoto Protocol and Belize

            The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which commits its Parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets. Kyoto Protocol also decided on,“1) emission-reduction targets of greenhouse gases for each of the member countries 2) a greenhouse gas emission-trading program 3) holding future meetings to set penalties for violators of the established targets and regulation rules of the emission-trading program” (History). The major countries that were involved in the Kyoto Protocol were Japan, and western industrialized countries. Even though the Kyoto Protocol was introduced to the world in 1992 it did not come to be international law until 2005.The Kyoto Protocol became international law in 2005 because, “The Kyoto Protocol finally came into effect on February 16, 2005, 7 years after it was first negotiated, when the goal of getting countries responsible for a total of 55% of the global emissions was achieved with the signature of Russia ratifying the document” (History). The Kyoto Protocol was scheduled to expire in 2012 but was extended past its expiration date to 2015 “which is the target for a completely new international agreement” (Globalization and Diversity 55). The book Globalization and Diversity also say, “by 2015, new emission reduction goals will be set for all the world’s countries, and these will take effect no later than 2020” (55).

            Belize is a member of the Kyoto Protocol and actually acceded to it in 2003, and then became a party on the date that it became effective, (February 16, 2005). However, “As a developing country Belize is not required to reduce its carbon emissions, which are negligible. But it can supply and/or trade carbon credits under the CDM of the Protocol” (Grand Baymen). The reason Belize acceded to the Kyoto Protocol is because, “ Scientists have observed the substantial melting of the polar glaciers.  They are predicting a rise in sea level of 1.65 meters over the next 50 years, if carbon emissions are not significantly reduced” (Grand Baymen). Meaning that Belize is afraid that if the sea level does rise it will be devastating to their country. It would have a huge impact on Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, maybe even an catastrophic effect. A rise in the sea level could also negatively impact the farmland in Belize and the fishing industry.

             To learn more about the Kyoto Protocol go to this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXdmqXG3ITU. It provides a short video description of the reasons for the Kyoto Protocol, and why it is effective.

Works Cited:

Rowntree, Lester, Martin Lewis, Marie Price, and William Wyckoff.Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.

"The Kyoto Protocol :: History." The Kyoto Protocol :: History. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.

Espinoza, Valeria. "Belize Seeking Green Energy Investments." Grand Baymen. N.p., 3 Sept. 2011. Web

Imperialism in Belize

Imperialism in Belize

Cultural imperialism is the active promotion of one cultural system over another, such as the implantation of a new language, school system, or bureaucracy. Historically, cultural imperialism has been primarily associated with European colonialism. The most prevalent example of cultural imperialism is in the colonial period. European culture spread worldwide in the years of the colonial period, often replacing the indigenous culture (Globalization and Diversity 27). Also during this time period, “new languages were mandated, new educational systems were implanted, and new administrative institutions replaced the old” (Globalization and Diversity 27). Many things became altered in this time period, like the way people dressed, their food choices, organizations, and even gestures were added to existing cultures (Globalization and Diversity 27). Today cultural imperialism is not as prevalent; although, “many expressions of cultural imperialism carry a Western (even U.S.) tone—such as McDonald’s, MTV, KFC, Marlboro cigarettes, and the widespread use of English as the dominant language of the Internet (Globalization and Diversity 27).

Imperialism has been one of the biggest turning points in the nation of Belize. They have grown dramatically due to imperialism and it is slowly making them grow and profit as a country. According to John Everitt, cultural imperialism is defined as “the process whereby the culture of a weaker nation is dominated by that of a stronger nation.” In 1981 Belize separated and became an independent nation from the United Kingdom; they are now looking to Americanize their country. Since the change in their economy, cultural imperialism has been influenced in their country by both economic imperialism and socio-political imperialism. There is an abundance of land in Belize that is now owned by many US interests. In financial terms, the money system is also changing the currency in Belize which is now in dollar form. As far as production goes, Belize is sending exports such as sugar, seafood, and mangos. Most cars seen in Belize are also American made vehicles. For example, a couple American made cars seen in Belize are Ford and Chevrolet. On another note, the socio- political imperialism taking place in Belize is seen in their communication, migrations, and military. The United States has even agreed to provide training for the Belize defense force.

 

Works Cited:

Everlett, John. "Changing Patterns of Cultural Imperialism in a Developing Country." Eric (1982): n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED219318>.

Ramos, Adele. "Sugar Exports Rebound, as Belize's Import Bill Reaches Record High." Amandala Newspaper. N.p., 1 Aug. 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.

Rowntree, Lester, Martin Lewis, Marie Price, and William Wyckoff.Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print

Figure sources:
Figure 1: https://www.google.com/search