Polluted cities taking initiative to tackle global warming

Many amongst us are apathetic towards global warming. Is it because global warming has not revealed its ugly side to us directly? Or is it because we simply could not care less? In my opinion, it would be far too late for mankind to salvage the situation if we see the light only as we start paying compound interest for our utmost inconsiderate actions and nonchalance

Rapid climate change, as experts put it, is “the single biggest threat to the future of humanity”. The carbon footprints that Man’s activities have left on our planet’s atmosphere will most certainly prove to be indelible and detrimental in time to come. In fact, from what I have read elsewhere, scientific research has shown that if mankind keeps up the nonchalant attitude, the oceans would have dried up so badly we would hardly be left with any seafood for consumption.

One of the biggest obstacles I believe polluted cities face in reducing carbon emission would be the mindset that the part each individual plays is too minute to make any difference at all. This alone, I believe, can possibly be fatal to man’s efforts of tackling global warming.

I strongly believe that each and every individual has an important role to play. Definitely, the power of a solitary individual is hardly worth mentioning. However, just envision a situation whereby all Singaporeans work together in achieving this common target. An individual is weak and powerless. But as we talk about the collective force of a large group of people, it would most certainly be able to cause a great impact. Nevertheless, to make this possible, the contribution of each individual is still essential!

Secondly, I feel that the governments of the more heavily polluted cities in the world ought to take a more active approach towards tackling the problem. Governmental action on climate change is certainly one of the most important factors involved. As New York Mayor Micheal Bloomberg said in an interview: “We need no new technology, we need no new invention, all that is required is political will.”

Industrialisation, a major contributor towards carbon emission, is at the same time a large stockholder of what is required to sustain a healthy economy. However important sustaining economical welfare may be, I feel that environmental issues as such should never be compromised! I adamantly feel that governing bodies around the world should focus a great deal more on this issue of global warming than they are doing currently. Therefore, I feel that the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol was indeed one worthy of praise. At the same time, perhaps more money could be invested in research on adopting renewable energy sources, increasing recycling levels, reducing city waste etc.

For centuries, planet earth has provided for mankind almost all that our specie requires. Therefore, I feel that it is only fair every single person do their part in tackling global warming. Remember, whatever damage we inflict on our planet right now, we ourselves would suffer the repercussions in the years to come. We can be the ones making the difference here.

- The Straits Times, 17 May 2007