Session Eight

The week’s topic of discussion was Energy and World Change. This is something that has been in discussion for a very long time. We have heard about it since we were in primary school where we started with the basics of the three Rs. Reuse, reduce and recycle. But as time passes and we learn new information, we realize that the situation is becoming worse. Despite being preached about saving our planet and resources for so long, nothing seems to have been done to improve things much.

We have been depending so much on fossil fuels and living in the imaginary world of “there will always be fossil fuels” that we have created a real world where there are depleting resources and rising costs. It may be too use the “reduce” strategy to save our planet. We now need to back that strategy up with other opportunities and alternatives.  

This reminds me of what prof said, “When we are able to grow the resources we need, we will finally be on the road to sustainability”. It applies in this situation in the sense that, if we are able to create other forms of resources we can actually be able to sustain ourselves. And one such method that really surprised me was that of solar panels. Prof showed us videos of a few countries implementing this method and governments supporting them.

 I feel that governments have a very important part to play in helping us move towards sustainability. And it is not just the effort of one government that can make a difference but the combined efforts of the different governments that will make a noticeable impact. This is a not a problem of one or two countries but a problem that the world is facing. Another reason for governments to work as a team.

Apart from the government, it also is every individual’s duty to put in their own labor to achieve that goal. The farmer who actually invested his own money to put up the solar panels is a great example for all of us. What about us Singaporeans? We can do a lot but we face limitations. Space, money and mentality are the biggest barriers. But that is where the challenge lies and we can try to come up with ways to overcome them.

Now to the presentations. They were all very interesting. Avijit’s article was an eye opener. There is a lot for the governments to think about before they can take steps and measures. There are many pros and cons to consider. But this should not deter them from the goal of attaining a green environment.

I give this week’s lesson a 9/10 as it opened my eyes even further regarding these issues.