World History: Patterns of Interaction: Chapter 36

Starting in the 1990s, businesses and individuals began using the Internet. The Internet is the voluntary linkage of computer networks around the world.

Through genetic engineering, scientists were able to introduce new genes into an organism to give that organism new traits.

Another aspect of genetic engineering is cloning. This is the creation of identical copies of DNA, the chemical chains of genes that determine heredity.

The economic base of some nations shifted. Manufacturing
jobs began to move out of developed nations, those nations with the industrialization, transportation, and business facilities for advanced production of manufactured goods.

The jobs moved to emerging nations, those in the process of
becoming industrialized. Emerging nations became prime locations for new manufacturing operations.

In fact, a major goal of globalization is free trade, or the elimination of trade barriers, such as tariffs, among nations.

The ozone layer is our main protection against the Sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

But “greener growth,” also known as sustainable growth,
is possible. This involves two goals: meeting current economic needs, while ensuring the preservation of the environment and the conservation of resources for future generations.

In 1968, many nations signed a Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty to help prevent the proliferation, or spread, of nuclear weapons to other nations.

One type of violation occurs when governments try to stamp out political dissent, or the difference of opinion over political issues.

Even so, the report concluded that gender inequality—the difference between men and women in terms of wealth and status—still very much existed.

In 2001 alone, the number of refugees—people who leave their country to move to another to find safety—stood at 12 million.

Terrorism, the use of violence against people or property to force changes in societies or governments, strikes fear in the hearts of people everywhere.

Western influence also has an effect on ways of thinking in other parts of the world. For example, people from many different cultures have adopted materialism, the Western mindset of placing a high value on acquiring material possessions.