Task 4 activity 2

1. There are many solutions to the problems of global warming. As an individual, we could do various things to save electricity, such as turning off the lights, using less air conditioning and many other things. We could also take public transport instead of driving, reuse old things such as plastic bags, reduce consumption of environment damaging materials, and recycle used materials. It is important that we all contribute to stopping global warming, no matter big or small. As the government, it would be necessary to provide incentives for the public to be environmentally friendly. The government could also sign protocols and treaties with other countries to reduce greenhouse gas emission and to save energy. Renewable forms of energy should be promoted and be used as the primary way to generate energy. Solar farms could be constructed to provide electricity for part of Singapore. This way, we can save large amounts of energy.

2. I feel that as Singaporeans, we can do much to help save the planet. In a country with a tropical climate, like Singapore, a lot of electricity is used in air conditioning and cooling facilities. We could save a lot of energy by using less of those appliances. We could also buy more energy efficient air conditioners, or just use fans instead. We must remember to turn off electric appliances when not in use. We must also constantly practice the 3 'R's, to reduce, reuse and recycle. People should also buy hybrid and electric cars, or vehicles that produce less greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Toyota Prius, the hybrid vehicle that produces the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the world, or just walk or take public transport. By constantly doing these actions above, we will be able to save our planet.

3. HCI can engage students in various methods. The school can provide talks and lectures to allow students to learn more about climate change and helping the environment. There could also be sabbatical programmes that allow students to do certain things to help the environment, such as recycling materials, planting trees, or learning about renewable energy.

4.

I feel that Iceland has lead by example in its effort to be environmentally friendly. Iceland gets virtually all of its power from renewable energy. The country has rich geothermal sources and many rivers to produce electricity from. This means that it is able to generate a lot of power without burning any form of fossil fuels. It also has a very eco-friendly transportation network and top- notch healthcare. It is rated the most environmentally friendly country in the world.

I believe that Singapore can learn from Iceland. Singapore can put aside some resources to invest in harnessing renewable energy, such as building a solar power station. By generating more power from renewable energy, the amount of power generated from fossil fuels could be reduced and thus fewer emissions would be produced. The government could provide incentives and have campaigns to promote saving the environment. The car industry could also introduce more hybrid and electric vehicles. The government could help by building electric vehicle charging stations in more locations. Singaporeans should also bring their own shopping bags. This would help to save a lot of plastics that are used to produce plastic bags. At the very least, people could reuse plastic bags at home, such as using them as trash bags. The government could also encourage research and development into biodegradable materials, so that we would not have to incinerate the materials and consequently produce greenhouse gases.

Extension activity

2.

I feel that environmental sciences should be made a mandatory science subject. It is of utmost importance that students in Singapore understand the significance of climate change and global warming.

Many teenagers in Singapore do not really care, or even understand about global warming. A lot of people in Singapore feel that there are many people out there who will help to deal with global warming, so they do not need to care about global warming. The truth is exactly opposite. This is the world we are all living in, so it is everybody’s responsibility to take care of the planet. It is very important that everybody in the whole world play their part in saving the Earth.

The first step in doing that is to learn and understand climate change. If we do not understand it, it is not possible for us to do anything. For many students, even if they are willing to help to save the Earth, they may not have time to learn about how they could do it. So if environmental sciences are incorporated into the school curriculum system, it would enable everyone who is interested in environmental sciences to learn about it. Also, if students learn about it, it would convince them to help the environment. This way, more people would help the environment in general.

Therefore, I feel that en environmental sciences should be made a mandatory science subject in the education system.