The documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore, former vice-president of the United States, has successfully shown us the dire consequences of global warming and increased our awareness of the current situation. Global warming is ongoing, and the main culprit is us, humans. The earth's population has rose to a staggering 6.4 billion since the baby boom after War World II. During world war II, the earth had a population of only 2 billion. In this lifetime, the population is projected to rise to 9 billion. It took 10000 years for human to reach a population of 2 billion, however it will only take one more lifetime to reach a population of 9 billion. In order to sustain this exponential growth in the population, more resources would be required. Humans are thus becoming the biggest parasite on Earth, increasingly straining the earth's resource. It is up to the government and individual to help in the problem of global warming.
The signing of the Kyoto Protocol is an example of the government's effort in tackling this issue. Singapore is now committed to reducing their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases in a bid to slash pollution and address climate change concerns. Steps have already been taken. Incentives are being given for energy efficient design buildings, and for factories to reduce their carbon emission to within acceptable levels which adhere to the Carbon Emmision Policy and Green Mark Building Policy. The Green Mark policy evaluate a building based on its environmental impact and performance. It encourages the incorporation of environmentally friendly and energy-saving features in buildings. Buildings are awarded Platinum, GoldPLUS, Gold,Certified or ratings depending on the points scored on several key criteria. From 2008, all new and existing buildings with gross floor area (GFA) above 2,000m2 that are undergoing major retrofitting works must meet the Green Mark Certified standard. To support this policy a $20 million Green Mark Incentive scheme was put in place. New and retrofitted buildings with GFA above 5,000m2 that have achieved ratings of Green Mark Gold and above will be awarded monetary incentives.
Currently, Singapore is limited in its expertise on energy savings, majority are foreigner talents. In the years to come, there is a target to train 4000 more personnel profession in this area. There is a limit to how far the government can help in this area. Every individual must be made aware of the situation, and one effective way is through education to inculcate the next generation on energy conversation and ideals of innovation. Education must especially be provided to third world country where the main budge of growing population lies.
As Stephen Pacala and Roberts Socolaw said, "Humanity already possecces the fundamental scientific, technical and industrial knowledge to solve the carbon and climate problems.". We know that electriticity end-use efficiency, other end-use efficiency, passenger vehnicle efficiency, other transport efficiency, renewable technology, carbon capture and supply efficiency, when implemented, will drop the worlds carbon emissions to levels below 1970. The solution is in our hands, we need determination to move towards a brighter furture.
The signing of the Kyoto Protocol is an example of the government's effort in tackling this issue. Singapore is now committed to reducing their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases in a bid to slash pollution and address climate change concerns. Steps have already been taken. Incentives are being given for energy efficient design buildings, and for factories to reduce their carbon emission to within acceptable levels which adhere to the Carbon Emmision Policy and Green Mark Building Policy. The Green Mark policy evaluate a building based on its environmental impact and performance. It encourages the incorporation of environmentally friendly and energy-saving features in buildings. Buildings are awarded Platinum, GoldPLUS, Gold,Certified or ratings depending on the points scored on several key criteria. From 2008, all new and existing buildings with gross floor area (GFA) above 2,000m2 that are undergoing major retrofitting works must meet the Green Mark Certified standard. To support this policy a $20 million Green Mark Incentive scheme was put in place. New and retrofitted buildings with GFA above 5,000m2 that have achieved ratings of Green Mark Gold and above will be awarded monetary incentives.
Currently, Singapore is limited in its expertise on energy savings, majority are foreigner talents. In the years to come, there is a target to train 4000 more personnel profession in this area. There is a limit to how far the government can help in this area. Every individual must be made aware of the situation, and one effective way is through education to inculcate the next generation on energy conversation and ideals of innovation. Education must especially be provided to third world country where the main budge of growing population lies.
As Stephen Pacala and Roberts Socolaw said, "Humanity already possecces the fundamental scientific, technical and industrial knowledge to solve the carbon and climate problems.". We know that electriticity end-use efficiency, other end-use efficiency, passenger vehnicle efficiency, other transport efficiency, renewable technology, carbon capture and supply efficiency, when implemented, will drop the worlds carbon emissions to levels below 1970. The solution is in our hands, we need determination to move towards a brighter furture.
You have cited very relevant points here, and the environmental moves that Singapore has taken model a responsible response to the present climate crisis.
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