Thomas Tang

Opinion | The positive side of trade wars: fewer imports, a smaller carbon footprint and less need for plastic packaging

A less-connected global economy could mean a more sustainable world, if countries find the incentive to conserve resources, minimise waste and switch to more environmentally efficient ways of living

Reading Time:3 minutes

Why you can trust SCMP

Plastic waste has risen dramatically alongside globalisation. Photo: Shutterstock

Thomas Tang

Published: 10:00pm, 9 Jun 2019Updated: 11:06pm, 9 Jun 2019

The trade war raging on between the US and China has hit many businesses. But is it possible that there is a positive side to a reduction in the flow of goods across the world?

Some maintain that trade and globalisation open up economic opportunities and give less-developed economies a chance to upgrade and nurture their businesses. Sadly, there is a propensity for richer economies to exploit this. So, potentially, a trade war that halts unfair exchanges would redress the situation.

With fewer imported goods, people will have to buy more locally and this would reduce their carbon footprint and is better for the environment. Freight for international trade makes up around 30 per cent of all transport-related carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion, and more than 7 per cent of global warming emissions, according to the International Transport Forum’s 2016 report.

Sourcing raw materials at home has the added advantage of shoring up local livelihoods, and can lead to better resource management. In urbanised countries, limited space can be developed innovatively; for example, empty roof spaces could be used to grow food hydroponically.

A country unable to import goods will have an incentive to minimise waste. Circular economy concepts can be used – organic waste can be composted or used to generate methane for energy, for example. Trade restrictions can also mean reining in excesses, manufacturing only what is needed, and growing only as much as we need to eat.

With fewer imported products in circulation and a strong demand for local goods, people will take pride in their surroundings and return to more traditional ways of living, better suited to native habitats. Right now, society is too heavily influenced by global brands that urge people to adopt alien cultural habits.