Draft 2 Read Response

In the article “Why Climates fight needs engineers”, Shah (2015) shares that Asia’s development is susceptible to a hostile environment. Global warming increases the awareness and desperation of a de-carbonised economy. The author indicate that the demand to transform into a 'sustainable urban and economic system', engineering solutions will see a peak in both local and regional area. Thus, experts faced hurdles when trying to integrate technology together. I agree with the author that engineers have a crucial role to play in solving sustainability challenges because it will mitigate the effect of global warming.

With the increase of carbon footprints and global warming, the world has become susceptible to climate change. El Niño, a climatic phenomenon caused by a long-term increase in the ocean surface temperature. This reacts to hot and dry weather that promotes sparking forest fires which causes haze. Attributing to the severity of the haze, palm oil companies in Indonesia uses unscrupulous method to clear vegetation. Palm oil, paper and logging companies have a very intimate relationship. To alleviate the situation, some cooperation uses sustainable palm oil and paper in their product.

Singapore has one of the world’s highest carbon emissions per capita, states Kitten (2015). To tackle this issue, ‘renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy efficiency’ are few of the initiatives carried out by the Singapore government to becoming a green economy. Singapore very own water sustainability, NEWater, is the result of today water treatment technology. It greatly reduce the reliance of importing water from our neighbouring country. The government launched the BCA Green Mark Scheme in January 2005 to encourage Singapore’s construction industry towards a more environmental friendly building. The scheme fights to reduce the cost in utility bills and scale down the emission of carbon. Absence of these initiatives would not be materialize without sustainable technology.

In Singapore’s context, energy is a vital resource because we are almost completely dependent on external energy sources to support economic activity and growth. Furthermore, due to our alternative energy disadvantaged city-state, there will be limitations to the reductions of carbon emissions. The authority educates local citizens to electrical appliances that are more energy efficient. This efforts can promote energy conservancy and capability. Consumers can have a clearer and better understanding on the energy performance of the appliances they buy that will transform into cost savings. Energy efficiency is also a key means to diminish greenhouse gas effect.

In conclusion, climate is a global issue that requires global action. Therefore, engineers plays a crucial role in solving sustainability challenges.

Reference:

Shah (2015) Why Climate Fights Needs Engineers, Retrieved From http://www.eco-business.com/news/why-the-climate-fight-needs-engineers/

Benefits of renewable energy use, Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/public-benefits-of-renewable.html#.VgYLGxOqqkr

Ko & Ho (2013) Haze Pollution, Retrieved from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2013-08-30_185150.html

Ives(2013) Singapore take the lead in green building in asia, Retrieved from http://e360.yale.edu/feature/singapore_takes_the_lead_in_green_building_in_asia/2720/

Revised Energy Labels And Rating System For Air-conditioners, Refrigerators and Clothes Dryers (2014) Retrieved From

http://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/newsroom/news-releases/revised-energy-labels-and-rating-system-for-air-conditioners-refrigerators-and-clothes-dryers

5 ways to fight haze, Retrieved From 
http://pmhaze.org/be-a-haze-fighter/5-ways-to-fight-haze/

Chua (2013) Engineering plays crucial role in climate change, Retrieved From http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/
Soon(2014)  Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities , Retrieved From
https://www.cscollege.gov.sg/Knowledge/Ethos/Issue%207%20Jan%202010/Pages/Sustainable-Development-Challenges-and-Opportunities.aspx

(edited 1/10/15)