Uploaded on 2018-09-13 by Jack Seaberry

This is an image from a solar installation academy. Despite the fact that Malaysia is one of the largest producers of solar panels worldwide, these solar panels are imported. Most of the solar panels used in Malaysia are imports, and most of those produced are exports. This illustrates the economic issues inherent in a system based of short-termist economic gain. As opposed to producing panels for themselves, the Malaysians have developed a production technique which first and foremost caters to niches in other markets which can be taken advantage of. While I appreciate the manner in which this has induced increased globalization, I also wonder about the environmental costs for the import of such materials. Until we're able to quantify a dollar amount of damages associated with carbon emissions as well as other more indirect ramifications of shipping, we won't be able to understand the importance of local production. Alongside the environmental impact, we must consider the economic impact from the dimension of equity as well. What might look good on paper as providing increased funds to a country's economy nevertheless may, likely will, disproportionately benefit those who have already reaped the most economic gains.