Environmentalism, corporate greed and a looming global war

Opinion. The views expressed are the author’s own.

Donald Trump has become the unknowing promoter of “the Green Economy” in North America. Seriously folks. In the early part of the century our ancestors bought and sold locally to their neighbors and countrymen. Then post WW2 things began to change. A deal was made with North America’s greatest enemies, the Chinese Communist Party and China. A place was needed to make items cheaply so they could be sold elsewhere at a high profit. That was what our corporations wanted, and so our governments fell in line and encouraged North Americans to help establish a labor intensive program in China where massive factories were created. Retailers saw the “utopian” possibilities of having a blouse made for $1.99, shipped to North America and sold for above $100.00. Now that was a great shared profit, not for the manufacturer but for North American Corporate needs.

The Canadian and US Mid-West suffered greatly as this process continued. Hundreds of towns were single or double corporate towns, where a few corporations built pulp/paper and saw mills, manufacturing and assembly plants employing a majority of the Cities Population. Then within a few years these same corporations realized that North American Labor was much higher than that in Asia, and Asian Markets did not have government regulations to protect their environment and labor force. These North American Factories were closed and mass unemployment was the sign of the times. Many of these Cities still experience the effects of this corporate greed.

The environment within rural and urban China was becoming a dumping ground for unethical corporate actions, placing the water supply and air quality at risk for all, especially the worker. Wearing masks became a required tradition as exhaust from vehicles and factories filled the sky.

Massive profits were made for various corporations you know, such as high end brands and retailers, and also for the Communist Party of China/PLA.

Then tariffs became the new tool of International Trade, used by The Republican Administration as a big stick( Teddy Roosevelt) against America’s financial and political enemies. America’s allies also felt the sting of tariff exposure, particularly Canada.

Why the tariffs? America needed to bring back to the USA a robust manufacturing sector. Much of America was suffering economic down turns, and personal and national borrowing was escalating at an alarming rate. Reestablishing manufacturing in America was a way to regain control of the economies future and also drive down its national debt. Bring back employment to the electorate who were willing to accept any form of good news from the President and the Republican Majority.

China, once the darling of Corporate America has become an enemy combatant, competitor and threat to America. Shipments of goods made in China are down 25% in 2026 with prospects of further declines next year. Chinese factories once working 24/7 are now only open partially for a few days a week. This has become a major problem for China. Full employment has always been a key promise made by the Communist Party, and the obvious unemployment is becoming reminiscent of a period in Germany’ History known as the pre-Nazi Power Play. High unemployment, excessive political activity, corporate profiteering, growing militarism.

On the bright side, Chinese factories and their transportation systems are at 505 their capacity, so less pollution in the air and sea, less waste of energy fuels. America has caused this, yet it also has brought the threat of domestic corporate pollution back to America. The Republicans have also nearly destroyed America’s various environmental agencies, responsible for the protection of the nations resources, environment and population. What a mess.

America is ramping up its military. as is China, India and the World. Many smaller nations that have borrowed from China are looking at prospects of challenging times. The Caribbean has borrowed $Billions from China, and this reliance upon a financial deal could put them directly inside the coming conflict. Whose side will they be on, their neighbor America or China’s?

Where is Canada in this mess? Can Canada be the ever present Peace Keeper, using logic, empathy and strategy to keep these two titans apart? What of India, a third power of considerable might and population. What if they ally themselves to their neighbor China? India has no love for America and particularly their tariffs. India has experienced a$14 Billion export losses in 2025, that is a 38% of their GDP. China has lost over a $Trillion+.

The Republican’s strategy has considerable consequences with the loss of traditional profits, an escalation of world wide armaments and militarism, mass unemployment in certain sectors and a possible realignment of International Treaty’s and Alliances.

Is the world recognizing the signs financially, politically or socially? Perhaps the Republicans can only reference their actions with a song by the Boss, namely “War what good is it? Well its profitable, population controlling and good for the economy”.

Sources: World Financial Review, Huffington Post, Global Financial Review.

Steven Kaszab lives in Bradford, Ont.