Thomas Friedman called the world–flat. A new map released by the European Commission and the World Bank shows that the world is, indeed, shrinking. Modern technology has made it affordable for the masses to partake in global travel, business, and networking. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2009 confirms the impact of this globalization revealing that “only 10% of land area is remote – more than 48 hours from a large city.”
Rear-View Mirror © Frank Kovalchek
This leaves one to wonder the long-term impact of globalization and extensive travel. With more and more individuals competing for resources and space, wilderness will continue to feel the effects. Read about measures taken to protect U.S. National Parks.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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John P
It’s also the end of travel adventures. All has been seen. Unless a new, affordable way into space develops 🙂
Michelle
There needs to be measures take to protect what’s left. Globalization has its storng points, but we want to keep part of who were are and what the earth has always been.
RJ
Urbanization is continuing to grow at an alarming rate along with overall population growth. Is it possible to have a back to the rural areas movement? Is it possible to produce enough jobs in the area of conservation that it’s worth it for people?
Suzy
Interesting post. I love the outdoors. Let’s hope there will still be some in the coming decades
lara dunston
Fascinating! Most of that 10% must be in Australia as there are a lot of areas of the country where you can be in the middle of absolute nowhere and be several days drive from civilization, and in some cases a week away from a big city.
Gennaro
@John P
Nicely played.
@RJ
I can see a bit of a movement to the rural, but it won’t be significant enough with the current population numbers.
@lara dunston
Score one for the land down under.
Tim
10%? Wow. That’s stunning.
Gennaro
@Tim
I knew it was an issue, but that was a stunner for me too.
Brian D. Hawkins
Coyotes are spotted often in Oakland County Michigan, Detroit’s northern suburbs. It’s very common to watch wild pheasants walk across streets of rural Detroit. Wildlife are running out of wild so they are forced to adapt to nearby cities. The mix isn’t always workable. Man always wins, even when we shouldn’t.
BTW, That is a very cool photo!
Gennaro
@Brian D. Hawkins
Thanks for personal experience. It’s true that man will likely win. I’d like to see at least some preservation.