The world seems to be in a state of chaos. The COVID-19 pandemic, images of war-related violence and Brexit are just some of the global events that have triggered feelings of anxiety, concern, fear, sadness and anger. It can feel like we are losing touch with each other and the wider world, exacerbated by a sense of isolation and polarisation.
These feelings can be triggered by global events and/or the impact of those events upon local communities and societies. If you are struggling to cope with the effect of these events on your wellbeing, please contact Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity or the University Counselling Service for advice and support.
A key feature of globalisation is that it allows for the occurrence and repercussions of global events due to the increased interconnectivity of countries. This is demonstrated through globalisation processes and their by-products such as pandemics, climate change and the far-reaching effects of natural disasters.
For example, the influenza pandemic inspired many governments to create national health systems that are free at the point of delivery to all citizens. These are still in place today and demonstrates the true extent to which global events can have lasting impacts upon all places.
Similarly, the recent climate crisis has been a truly global event that has impacted on all regions and their peoples. However, the severities of the climate crisis have been unequal, with the least responsible (mostly developing) nations facing the greatest threats to their people and ecosystems. This further unveils the true extent to which global events and the process of globalisation impact all places differently.