Whenever I hear or read the news about typhoons sweeping across the coastal cities of Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan and parts of China, bringing with them the threats of severe floods and impending tsunami and earthquakes, it dons upon me that these catastrophic events actually hit us within our lifetime and are not just set to happen in Science fiction stories.
Scientists and Environmentalists round the world have drawn on numerous studies to predict such dire consequences. Based on recent reports, the average global temperatures are set to rise by 2-3 degrees C over the next few decades. As the glaciers melt and sea levels rise, the most immediate impact will be on the water cycle triggering floods and droughts that will leave billions of people dead, homeless or without enough food. Meanwhile, urban dwellers like us will face heat waves as temperatures and air pollution spiral upwards. The report has also warned of an explosion in diseases like dengue and malaria.
Will Singaporeans be lucky enough to escape such disasters?
I think everyone should take the reports very seriously. As Singapore is a tiny island surrounded by water and only less than 5m above sea level, we’re just as vulnerable as the rest. We could find ourselves experiencing floods as well and with such high humidity in Singapore, a small temperature rise will certainly have a significant effect on comfort.
Despite being a small country, Singapore is looking into policies to regulate gas emissions and supporting research projects ranging from fuel alternatives to biodegradable plastics and air pollutant monitoring systems. Similarly, students in Shuqun can do their bit too. Every small action such as recycling of paper, aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles can save trees and huge amounts of energy used when manufacturing these products from raw materials again. I'm heartened to note the efforts by our pupils and teachers in championing a vigorous recycling programme under the Green Project to conserve the environment and combat global warming. Parents can do even more by encouraging and giving the children their fullest support in their recycling efforts. Recently I was persuaded by a colleague who advocates the green message very passionately to explore other low-carbon energy sources such as driving a hybrid car to work instead. Compared to an ordinary car, the hybrid is a sophisticated design with leading-edge technology, able to deliver excellent fuel economy and more importantly low carbon emission.
"Global Warming" is not just a catch phrase but a real warning for all to save our one and only Earth. Failure to curb carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption will leave the world paying the 'price' within the next 30-40 years.
