our shrinking world

Question 1

globalisation

Answer 1

process by which the world becomes increasingly interconnected through trade, communication, culture, and migration, leading to greater interdependence.

Question 2

time space compression

Answer 2

The phenomenon where technological advances reduce the time it takes to travel, communicate, and exchange goods, effectively “shrinking” distances.

Question 3

global village

Answer 3

A term describing how the world feels smaller and more connected due to instant communication and faster transport.

Question 4

digital divide

Answer 4

The gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICT) and those who do not.

Question 5

interdependance

Answer 5

Mutual reliance between countries or regions economically, socially, and politically.

Question 6

causes of our shrinking world (4)

Answer 6

• advances in transport
• advances in communication
• economic liberalisation
• technological innovation

Question 7

how have advances in transport caused our shrinking world

Answer 7

faster, cheaper air travel and container shipping reduce travel time and cost

Question 8

average cost of international air travel has dropped __% since 1990s

Answer 8

50%

Question 9

how have advances in communication caused our shrinking world (2)

Answer 9

The internet, smartphones, and social media enable instant global communication

Email, video calls, and messaging apps connect people globally in real-time

Question 10

in 2024, there were over __ mobile subscriptions worldwide

Answer 10

8 billion

Question 11

how has economic liberalisation caused our shrinking world

Answer 11

Reduction of trade barriers and growth of multinational corporations (MNCs) facilitate global trade and investment.

Question 12

____ entry into the ___ in ___ accelerated global trade integration

Answer 12

Chinas

WTO

2001

Question 13

how has technological innovation caused our shrinking world (2)

Answer 13

Automation, satellite technology, and digital platforms enhance connectivity and efficiency.

Innovations like blockchain and AI further transform global systems.

Question 14

economic effects of our shrinking world (3)

Answer 14

Growth of global supply chains and just-in-time production.

Expansion of global markets and consumer choice.

Uneven development: Some regions benefit (e.g., global cities like London, New York), while others are marginalized.

Question 15

the global middle class is expected to reach ____ by 2030, largely due to globalisation

Answer 15

5 billion

Question 16

social and cultural effects of our shrinking world (4)

Answer 16

Increased cultural exchange and hybridization (e.g., global music, cuisine).

Spread of ideas and social movements (e.g., #MeToo, climate activism).

Loss of local cultures and languages due to cultural homogenization.

Migration flows increase, leading to multicultural societies but also social tensions.

Question 17

environmental effects of our shrinking world (3)

Answer 17

Increased resource consumption and carbon emissions from transport and production.

Spread of invasive species and diseases due to faster movement.

Greater awareness and cooperation on global environmental issues (e.g., Paris Agreement).

Question 18

political effects of our shrinking world

Answer 18

Rise of supranational organizations (e.g., UN, WTO, EU) coordinating global governance.

Challenges to sovereignty and rise of nationalism in response to globalization.

Question 19

our shrinking world refers to

Answer 19

the way advances in technology, transport, and communication have made the world feel smaller and more connected. It describes how time and distance barriers are reduced, allowing people, goods, information, and ideas to move faster and more easily across the globe.

Question 20

city examples of global interconnectedness and why

Answer 20

Cities like London, Tokyo, and New York act as hubs for finance, culture, and communication

Question 21

London’s Heathrow airport is one of the busiest international airports, connecting over __ destinations

Answer 21

200

Question 22

examples of MNCs which operate worldwide and source materials and labour globally

Answer 22

Apple, Nike

Question 23

Apple’s supply chain spans (3) demonstrating global production networks.

Answer 23

Asia, Americas, Europe

Question 24

rise of social media platforms like ___ does what

Answer 24

X, facebook, TikTok, instagram

connects billions instantly, influencing politics and culture worldwide.

Question 25

The Arab Spring (2010-2012) showed how digital communication can

Answer 25

mobilise social change.

Question 26

The expansion of container ports like (2) does what

Answer 26

Shanghai, Rotterdam facilitates global trade

Question 27

The Panama Canal expansion (20__) allows larger ships to pass, enhancing

Answer 27

2016 global shipping efficiency

Question 28

Global merchandise trade volume increased from $____ in 2000 to over $___ in 2023.

Answer 28

6 trillion 25 trillion

Question 29

Over ____ people worldwide use the internet (2024).

Answer 29

5 billion

Question 30

Over ___ air passengers annually (pre-pandemic levels).

Answer 30

4.5 billion

Question 31

Approximately ___ international migrants worldwide (2020), about __% of the global population.

Answer 31

281 million 3.6%

Question 32

challenges and criticism of our shrinking world (5)

Answer 32

- unequal access - environmental costs - cultural erosion - economic inequality - political backlash

Question 33

unequal access challenge

Answer 33

The digital divide leaves many in developing countries without access to ICT, limiting benefits.

Question 34

environmental cost challenges

Answer 34

Increased emissions from transport and production contribute to climate change.

Question 35

cultural erosion challenge

Answer 35

Globalisation can undermine indigenous cultures and languages.

Question 36

economic inequality challenge

Answer 36

Benefits of globalisation are unevenly distributed, often favouring wealthy countries and elites.

Question 37

political backlash challenge

Answer 37

Rise of protectionism and nationalism as a reaction to perceived negative effects of globalisation.

Question 38

what is the paris agreement

Answer 38

An international treaty adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming.

Question 39

main goal of paris agreement

Answer 39

To keep the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.

Question 40

significance of paris agreement

Answer 40

the first universal, legally binding global climate agreement with participation from nearly all countries, marking a major step in global cooperation on climate change.

Question 41

when was paris agreement made

Answer 41

2015

Question 42

alternate viewpoint of shrinking world

Answer 42

Physical, cultural, political, and economic barriers still exist. For example, border controls, language differences, and trade tariffs can slow down or restrict flows of people, goods, and information. Despite advances in technology and transport, the world is not equally “shrinking” for everyone. The digital divide means many people in developing regions lack access to the internet, smartphones, and modern transport, limiting their connectivity and benefits from globalization.

Question 43

fibre optic cables are :

Answer 43

thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data as pulses of light. They enable high-speed, long-distance communication with minimal signal loss

Question 44

SEA ME WE 3 is what

Answer 44

one of the longest submarine fibre optic cables in the world, spanning about 39,000 km.

Question 45

why is SEA ME WE 3 important (3)

Answer 45

Provides critical internet and telecommunications connectivity for over 30 countries. Supports global business, finance, and communication by enabling fast data transfer. Enhances economic development and globalisation by connecting emerging markets to global networks.