An Inconvenient Truth

Global warming is the observed and projected increase in the Earth’s temperature. This rise in temperature will have a far-reaching effect on the Earth’s climate patterns and on every living creature.

We could lose many natural sites and even our way of life if nothing is being done to control global warming. The eco-system will be affected, lakes will dry up, many species of insects and animals will be lost and even outbreak of diseases will happen. The rise in sea level due to global warming will lead to floods and many will be displaced from their homes.

The government will therefore play a crucial role in controlling global warming. For example, In Singapore, there are currently tax incentives given to those who buy and use hybrid cars. This will encourage people to purchase such cars as they are energy efficient and have higher mileage. In Singapore, there have also been advertisements to inform people to switch off their lights when not in use and not to set their air-conditioners below 25 degrees Celsius. This is being done to inform people to save energy and in turn this is part of controlling global warming. Heavy fines should be imposed on those who burn forests down illegally as this will contribute to global warming. Tax incentives should also be given to industries which use electric efficient equipment and renewable technology. Students should also be educated about the effects of global warming and we can see that students are getting interested in this topic as more students do take on renewable energy projects. The Kyoto Protocol is a measure which almost every nation on the Earth is part of and agrees to cut down on greenhouse gases emission. This shows that global warming is being considered as an important issue around the world.

Basically, it comes down to the economy versus environment. From the video”An inconvenient truth”, Mr Gore stated that without the Earth, there will not be any economy. Therefore, leaders around the world will have to take important measures to find balance between the economy and the environment. Scientists will need to continue their studies on the climate change and present their findings to the world. This will allow us to know whether global warming is getting worse or is under control. By showing statistics and images on the effects of global warming, it gives us a clearer picture of the severity of global warming in today’s world.

Therefore, by educating the public on global warming, measures taken to control global warming and promoting the use of clean and renewable energy will definitely help to reduce the problem of global warming. Global warming is a moral issue and should be taken seriously.

References: http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20060910/061009-3.htm

The Expanding World of Engineers

The roles of engineers have been increasing rapidly over the years. In today's context, they are not limited to only technical duties but they are highly sought after in other industries such as the finance and service sectors.

In an engineering tertiary education, the students will have to undergo various trainings and practical assignments. These assignments will train them to detect problems and come up with the solutions. Precision and accuracy are very important in engineering. Therefore the trainings engineers received enable them to develop an analytical skill. Engineers not only have to enable that the device which they are required to create works but also have to factor in a lot of other factors such as time constrain, cost of the device and user-friendliness.

The education engineering students receive not only focus on technical issues. There are electives available for students to receive an all round education at various universities. I recalled someone once told me that if a salesman market a technical product, his knowledge will be limited to what he had read or heard. However, if an engineer markets or sells the product, his knowledge will be much more and will be able to explain the various features better to the customer. As technology is part of our everyday life, engineers will always be in demand as society will depend on them to improve our standard of living.

Globalisation also plays a part in the roles of engineers. In this fast-paced society, we want information at the shortest possible timeframe. The invention of the internet and electronic mail is one such example of how engineering has benefited the world. Without engineers, society will remain stagnant. Since an engineering education is flexible and diversified, engineers will be a great asset to the economy and are important for future success of any organisation.

Therefore, I believe that the education and trainings that engineers receive will be vital to an ever changing and challenging world we live in.