By now everybody should have watched “Inconvenient Truth” and has general idea about global warming. So I would not re-define what is global warming but instead I would like to focus on what Singapore has done so far to fight against the climate change.
In an on-going effort to become the manufacturing and business centre that closely approaches environmental neutrality, Singapore takes part in active role against global warming. Here, I use the word ‘active’ because, in my opinion, if you compare the amount of damage Singapore has caused to environment and the initiative it takes to address the environmental problems, it can be considered a responsible country indeed in global scale.
It is true that Singapore’s energy portfolio still includes fossil fuel. However, we should also bear in mind that not every renewable energy sources can be the answer to the country’s quest for green energy. Hydropower is not possible obviously because of geographical reason. Nuclear energy will be the last resort also due to its potential hazards. Other forms of energy are still under careful analysis on feasibility and affordability. Singapore government set aside $300 million to develop alternative sources of energy like solar and bio-fuel 2 years ago.
But when we think carefully enough, new energy is not the only elixir to cure the global warming. With the foundation of National Environment Agency (NEA) in 2002, Singapore has started policy for conserving energy. NEA has put a significant amount of effort in educating people about efficient energy. The policy was widely spread through every possible media to the public. Their energy saving tips form switching off the stand by power of house hold appliances to using compact fluorescent lamps help people incorporate the efficient energy concept into their daily life style.
On the other hand, government is also trying to reduce the green house gas emissions in every possible scenario. Singapore ratified Kyoto protocol, an international treaty to legally bind the commitments of the nations for reduction of green house gases, in 2006 April. In October 2006, Singapore switched its emission standard from Euro 2 to Euro 4 which is more stringent so that Singapore’s ambient air quality can be maintained. Last year SMRT played a part with ‘Go Green with SMRT’ campaign to encourage the public to commute in public transport rather than private vehicles.
Moreover laws and regulations are also enforced to minimize the industries’ impact on air quality. They are there to make sure that every manufacturing company in Singapore complies with pollution control requirements. Companies are also encouraged to come up with their own ecoprojects to manage their waste and chemical disposal.
Actually Singapore has already met its 2012 target of reducing carbon intensity level by 25% from its level in 1990. Carbon intensity is a measure of Carbon dioxide emission per dollar generated by economy. But we still can and should do more. All of us have moral duty towards our next gernerations. Efforts called for are hard, but the results will be excellent if everyone participates at the right level of commitment and responsibility. Then only we will be able to pass down a greener Gaia to our future generations.
With references to
http://www.nea.gov.sg/
www.wildsingapore.com
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Very detailed facts of how Singapore is doing to fight climate change. I have learnt a lot from reading this post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good post. I actually learn more about the action Singapore's government has done to fight climate change from reading your post. I also learnt to do more research on the topic, because most of the time when I wrote my essay, I only do it based on my general knowledge, which is limited. Thanks for showing me how to write a proper essay.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a good post. You clearly made your points and had the evidence to back your claims. I also like that you included where you found the information.
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