The primary benefit of international collaboration is often argued. While some may argue that global cooperation chiefly enhances the protection of the environment, I firmly believe that its role in stimulating the world’s economy is paramount.
A compelling argument to view international cooperation as a catalyst for the protection of the environment lies in its capacity to establish a common legislative framework. Given the transboundary nature of environmental crises, no single country can efficiently solve such problems. Through binding treaties, countries are required to undertake concerted efforts to reduce emissions and provide access to common funds or critical technologies for poorer nations. This induces a coordinated global response, allowing more effective interventions in environmental issues. ASEAN countries can provide a clear example, as they have committed to emissions reduction under regional environmental frameworks. Had this commitment not been fulfilled, the citizens of those countries would have severely suffered from pollution.
More fundamentally, I am convinced that international cooperation is a powerful driver for global economic growth, most visibly through dismantling trade barriers. Countries have different resources or competitive edges; however, they cannot be translated into revenue streams due to differing legal systems. Intergovernmental treaties can be an effective solution to this economic challenge, as those multilateral agreements can remove legal and tariff barriers. This convenience allows cross-border flows of financial and human capital, enabling countries to optimize their resources and maximize profit margins. This is exemplified in Vietnam, whose seafood export to the USA has been facilitated by tax reductions, given the two countries’ economic alliance. Had this alliance not been established, Vietnam would have generated considerably lower income from this sector. More importantly, as environmental campaigns often demand significant funding, this economic prosperity can allow a country to invest in technological innovations to protect the environment. Economic growth, therefore, is a prerequisite for environment protection rather than a simultaneous benefit.
In conclusion, while international cooperation can provide a legislative framework which enables effective protection of the environment, its capacity to boost international trade means its economic merit transcends its environmental role.