The U.S. and the Evolution of Globalization With Climate Change Implications

Neoliberal globalization, driven by U.S. economic policies, trade liberalization, and technology, has transformed production, consumption, and environmental outcomes. Deregulation and weakened environmental oversight enabled resource-intensive industries and offshoring of polluting production to countries such as China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Trade agreements like NAFTA and WTO frameworks reinforced this trend, externalizing carbon emissions and social impacts. Industries such as fast fashion contribute roughly four percent of global emissions. Addressing these structural harms requires enforceable supply chain standards, sustainable production, and transformative consumption to protect both the planet and vulnerable populations.