Reader Response
In the article “Why the climate fight needs engineers”, Shah (2015) mentions that Asia’s development is susceptible to a hostile environment. Global warming increases the awareness of the need of a decarbonised economy. As there is an increasing demand to transform cities into a sustainable urban and economic system, engineering solutions will see a peak in demand in local and regional areas. Under these circumstances, experts face obstacles in their attempts to combine integrate individual technologies into a single system.
I agree that the climate fight needs engineers to a certain extent but I believe that apart from the engineers, everyone can play a part in transforming our planet towards a cleaner and greener world.
Firstly, individuals play an important role to tackle global warming by controlling the usage of fossil fuels. Some examples include cycling to work, utilising energy-saving light bulbs at home and switching off household appliances when not in use. In addition, Earth Hour event such as switching off all non-essential lights for an hour held by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), promotes the idea in going green. The objectives of Earth Hour are to inspire an “interconnected universal community”, in order to exchange the prospects and encounters when crafting a sustainable world. These activities raise awareness to cut down "carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
." (Earthhour.org,n.d.).
Secondly, education should be one of the fundamental aspects to the global response to climate change. According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2014) , Climate Change Education for a Sustainable Development programme aims to increase youth’s awareness on the consequences of global warming. Member States’ competency are built up to implement quality climate change programme consisting of creative teaching methods and organizing this programme in school. It will take more than a few months to achieve a sustainable future. However, with great commitment and a set of realistic targets, we can ensure that we are heading in the right direction in restoring earth's balance.
Lastly, government plays a key role in the fight against climate change by introducing new policies. According to The White House (2013) homepage, President Obama’s Plan to Fight Climate Change framework, President Obama introduced the “Clean Power Plan." "Clean power plan" is designed to promote the use of less polluting and cleaner American energy. Strict standards are set for power plants and goals are set for the states to reduce carbon pollution.
Engineers are vital to fight climate change as their skills and expertise are required to search for engineering solutions. However, engineers alone cannot fight climate change without everyone's cooperation. Recently, the haze situation in Kalimantan, a region in Indonesia, has shown even with engineering solution to clear land for palm oil plantations, locals still prefer to burn forests which results in uncontrollable forest fires. Soeriaatmadja (2015) reports that there were a few corporations involved in the illegal forest fires. One of them was the senior executive from Bumi Mekar Hijau, a group of 'Singapore-based Asia Pulp and Paper', which is also Indonesia's greatest 'pulp and paper' contractor.
In conclusion, the climates changes have been the focus point worldwide and engineers are the solution provider. However, the climates fight need more than that; individuals, the education system and government should work cohesively in order to achieve greater level of success. If everyone makes an effort to go an extra mile, earth will be effectively sustained as everybody's actions count.
In conclusion, the climates changes have been the focus point worldwide and engineers are the solution provider. However, the climates fight need more than that; individuals, the education system and government should work cohesively in order to achieve greater level of success. If everyone makes an effort to go an extra mile, earth will be effectively sustained as everybody's actions count.
References:
Bokova, I. (n.d). Educating for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/world-education-forum-sustainable-development-by-irina-bokova-and-christiana-figueres-2015-05#1y2Th7MlPWfKvOGj.99
Earthhour.org. (n.d). Celebrating Earth Hour | EARTH HOUR. Retrieved from http://www.earthhour.org/celebrating-earth-hour
EPA. (n.d). Cutting Carbon Pollution from Power Plants. Retrieved from http://www2.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan/fact-sheet-overview-clean-power-plan
Shah V. (2015, June, 8). Eco-business, Why the climate fight needs engineers. Retrieved from http://www.eco-business.com/news/why-the-climate-fight-needs-engineers/
Nature.org. (n.d). Take Action to Fight Climate Change. Retrieved from http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/global-warming-climate-change/help/
UNESCO. (2014). Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development at UNESCO. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-sustainable-development/climate-change-education/
Hi Joey, this was an interesting post to read. In your evaluation and response towards the presented article, you pointed out that everyone plays a role in climate fighting and further elaborated each segments in your text. The evidence you presented supported your points and helped in the flow of your words. Good job!
ReplyDeleteHi Joey, I enjoyed reading your post! Your post mentions the measures that other countries have taken to reduce global warming such as educating youths on the effects of global warming, activating plans to promote the use of less polluting and cleaner American energy. You also gave examples of the little things that every individual can do to help reduce the impact of global warming (eg: the yearly Earth Hour event. I agree with you, everyone plays a part in saving our Earth!
ReplyDeleteHi Joey
ReplyDeleteYou have an interesting piece there.. Its true that engineers are not only the ones that have to take the lead. Individuals also needs to be proactive in ensuring that they play a part in tackling climate change. Also, the government as the leading body of the country should takes steps in reducing green house gases.
Hi Joey, I can clearly understand why climate fight needs engineers and how everyone can play a part in the fight against climate change. Good post! : )
ReplyDeleteHi joey, there is a better connection in your summary to your thesis. I believe that everyone has a part to play in making the a better and greener world. Through the help of engineering solutions, we are able to create a green economy to reduce global warming.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks for your fine effort!
ReplyDelete