Because of the global economy, many goods including what we use as daily basics produced by other countries have to be transported for a long distance. To what extent do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Because of the global economy, many goods including what we use as daily basics produced by other countries have to be transported for a long distance. To what extent do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

  

Highly globalized economy is supported by free international trade, with goods being sourced from and sold to distant locations,   that has captured even the markets of goods required for daily errands. The phenomenon has been hailed as highly beneficial by scores of economists despite some expressing displeasure.

This new phenomenon has brought around unprecedented advantages for the consumers who were forced to rely on local sources that were many a times dependent on various conditions, ranging from weather to economic conditions and even seasons. High prices were also a constraint for many and only a few could afford certain merchandise. However,  all that has changed now, with free global open trade policy in place, people can procure their desired commodities in variety of quality and types at affordable prices, regardless of the time of the year. 

Besides this, this fairly new arrangement has indirectly contributed to bolstering economies of many countries, even the impoverished ones, by generating commerce, and churning out employment across a cross-section  of skilled and unskilled workers. Exporting, or importing  trade entails establishment of several distinct multiple phases, and every step mandates investment of money and manpower, churning business and jobs in the process.   

Nonetheless, one cannot ignore the problems selling and  buying goods from other parts of  has brought along, pollution in various manifestations: air and ecological damages. As most of the transportation modes heavily rely on fossil fuels, frequent movement  of goods carriers in form of ocean freighters, cargo airplanes, and  trains and road haulers to name a few has heightened environmental pollution.

In hindsight, I opine despite all doubts and reservations, the benefits or transnational trade far exceed its pitfalls though ways must be discovered to minimize damage to the environment caused by increasing transport activity.