?

: sample essay(s) available

TICCK -> SPECTRAL -> HDTCS -> TEEEL --: repeated qns
?: SAJC answer guidelines available
CLIMATE CHANGE
[Causes] Pollution problems: (mainly caused by human activities – deforestation, industrialization…)
[Effects] Global warming: NOAA’s 2020 Annual Climate Report: the combined land & ocean temp has increased at an ave. rate of 0.08°C per decade
since 1880; NASA: 9 of the 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the past decade.
ENVIRONMENT

More frequent extreme weather events: SG: more flash floods, heavy rainfall; forest fires, heat waves; desertification
Rising sea level & melting of polar ice caps -> flooding of low-lying coastal areas: (WWF) Arctic sea ice is melting at a rate of almost 13% per decade,
if emissions continue to rise unchecked, the Artic could be ice-free in the summer by 2040; (IPCC) Sea levels could rise by as much as 1.1 meters by
2100; (NASA) Maldives (lowest-lying nation in the world): More than 80% of the country’s land area lies at less than 1m above sea level, which could
become uninhabitable by 2050; (Guardian) Indonesia prepares to move its capital to Kalimantan – bcs Jakarta is suffering from worsening air quality
and the risk of sinking. (Areas of north Jakarta, including the seawall designed to protect them, are falling at an estimated 25cm a year, due to
subsidence. The city does not pipe in enough drinkable water, so Jakartans rely largely on wells which extract water from shallow aquifers, leading to
the the land above it collapsing. The problem has been exacerbated by the explosion of new apartment blocks, shopping malls and even government
offices and increases in the risk of a catastrophic flooding = densely populated area)
Loss of habitat: (INPE research) With the current rate of global warming, if total deforestation in the Amazon exceeds 20-25%, btwn 50-60% of
Amazon rainforest could become a dry savanna in 20 or 30 years; (United Nations article) Drying of the Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth largest lake,
which has now shrunk by >90% of its size over fifty years ago due to over-irrigation of cotton crops in Uzbekistan. The 3.5 million people who live in
the region (Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) have seen their health, jobs and living conditions literally go
down the drain. The once thriving fishing and canning industry has evaporated, replaced by anemia, high infant and maternal mortality, and
debilitating respiratory and intestinal ailments. Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called the shrinking of the Aral Sea "one of the
planet's worst environmental disasters"; Rate of clearning of Brazilian Amazon is currently one of the world’s highest; 98% of the tropical dry forest
along Central America’s Pacific coast has disappeared
Loss of biodiversity: (World Wildlife Fund) Around 70 species go extinct every day, and a large part has to do with human behaviour & our actions;
Today, the Sumatran and Javan rhinos have been hunted to the verge of extinction due to the search for precious ivory
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Eg. Wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal energy
Iceland: Geothermal power facilities currently generate 25% of the country's total electricity production.
Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy, contributing over 16% of world electricity production. Problems: geopolitical strife (eg.
Mekong River water dispute – Chinese dams accused of causing reduced water flow into lower Mekong region)
CONSUMERISM
[Cause] Advertisements -> persuade consumers to buy more products by appealing to their social, emotional, envir. needs; Tech gadgets: new
models, technology released each yr -> dissatisfaction w/ the ‘old’
[Effect] Fast fashion, ‘throwaway culture’: For some, consumption ability is reflective of one’s social status. Our consumerist society today over-
consumes and produces in excess short-lived or disposable items over goods that are durable
It has been estimated that if everyone on earth consumed the same amt as the ave. US citizen, 4 planet earths would be needed to sustain the
current global population.
->Envir. impacts: Envir. cost of producing a t-shirt & a pair of jeans in terms of CO2 emissions is 2.6kg & 11.5kg; (IPCC) The fashion industry produces
10% of global CO2 emissions & uses ~ 1.5 tri. litres of water each yr; Water pollution
->Global inequality: In 2005, 59% of the world resources were consumed by the wealthiest 10% of the population, while poorest 10% = 0.5% of
resource utilization.

Excessive extraction of resource/materials from earth -> depletion of finite common-pool resources

Greenwashing – companies are misleading the public about how environmentally friendly they truly are.
Demand for energy increases -> demand for oil increases
Issue: Major oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP and Total spend abt $195m a year on branding campaigns that on the surface seem
to support action against climate change. But in reality, they are actually lobbying against, imposing policies and regulations, and heavily investing in
the fossil fuel business.

WASTE PROBLEM
CNBC International:
- More than 2 billion tonnes of global waste is generated yearly (12% of which is plastic waste). By 2050, it’s expected to increase to 3.4 bil.
tonnes.
- 33% of global waste end up directly at open dumps
- Tuas South Incineration Plant – largest waste incineration facility in Singapore (waste-to-energy plant)
- SG: Semakau Landfill – all the waste is incinerated here, electricity generated in the process
- Despite the high rates of recycling among developed nations, high-income countries generate 34% of global waste. Conversely, abt 5% of
the world’s waste come from low-income countries. Notably, US, Canada and Bermuda, all high-income nations in NAmerica, generate one
of the highest average amount of waste per capita. However, the trend is expected to reverse in the next few decades as low-income
countries experience economic growth & a population boom.
- In 2019, the Philippines sent back containers of waste to Canada & SKorea, while waste from Spain & Australia that were sent to Malaysia
were similarly rejected.
- Each person generates nearly 2 pounds of trash daily, so changing the throwaway culture will have a direct impact on how the world looks
like for future generations.

RECYCLING & THE PLASTIC PROBLEM

Deutsche Welle (DW) international broadcaster:
- The shift towards an eco-friendly world
- Germany is considered the world champion when it comes to recycling
- Each yr 17 bil. pounds of plastic enters our ocean
 - Though some companies markets their products like they’re made from marine litter such as ghost gear (discarded fishing nets), in reality
there is very little ghost gear in these products / Many companies advertise that their products are made from ocean plastic, but most do
not certify this step of production, so we don’t know if it’s actual ocean plastic (esp bcs recycling ocean plastic is difficult, expensive and only
works as a last resort -- even a tiny amt of sand, seaweed or shells can make plastic non-recyclable)

- In Germany, uncontaminated waste with a recycling value gets systematically collected

- Reverse vending machines in countries like Germany and Singapore – users can get a reward for a certain number of empty drink containers
deposited

- Even considering the collection, washing and transport that refillables require, each single-use bottle can have more than double the carbon
footprint of a refillable one, over its lifetime

- Microplastic

MIT Technology Review:

- Right now, only about 15% of all plastics worldwide are collected for recycling each year. Researchers have been trying since the 1990s to
find new ways to break down plastics in the hopes of recycling more of them. Oil & gas are relatively cheap -> cheaper to make plastic from
oil & gas rather than from recycled materials. Because single-use plastics are largely derived from petroleum, by 2050 plastics might account
for 20% of the world’s annual oil consumption. However, reducing our dependence on plastics, and finding ways to reuse the plastic that’s
already out in the world, could greatly reduce emissions. eg. A French company named Carbios uses enzymes to recycle single-use plastics.

Stanford:
- Previous studies done by Stanford researchers revealed that mealworms are not only able to eat various forms of plastic, including
styrofoam, they can consume potentially toxic plastic additives in polystyrene with no ill effects

MEAT & GLOBAL WARMING

Deutsche Welle (DW) international broadcaster:
- The nutritional value of meat substitutes can be similar or even better than real meat. For example, plant-based meat has less cholesterol
than real meat.

FAST FASHION & A ‘BUY AND THROW AWAY’ SOCIETY

Main cause of fast fashion: overconsumption -> overproduction
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions
Up to 85% of textiles go into landfills each year

Deutsche Welle (DW) international broadcaster:

- An estimated 93 million tonnes of clothes go to landfill or are burned every year
- 60% of PET (a type of plastic) production go to textiles, while only 30% go to water bottles
- Experts say that polyester fabrics can shed 700,000 microplastic fibers with every wash, which end up in the ocean and also in our food
- According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, 20,000 litres of water is required to produce 1 kilo of cotton, which is enough for one T-shirt
and a pair of jeans. That’s enough water for one person to drink at least eight cups per day for almost four years.
- A circular economy is "a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and
recycling existing materials and products as long as possible". It decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.
- Global fast fashion companies like H&M and Zara have come out with eco-collections that claim to reduce the harms involved. They also say
that they’re moving their whole brands in a more sustainable direction. Customers can bring used clothes to any stores and they will be
resold as second-hand clothing. However, in reality over half of donated clothing is sold overseas, while the rest is turned into industrial
material, burned, or goes to landfill.

POLLUTION PROBLEMS
- Air pollution from industrialization
Global: 2018, according to WHO: 9 out of 10 ppl breathe air containing high levels of pollutants, air pollution accounts for ~7mil. deaths
globally per yr (2.2 mil. in Western Pacific Region alone)
VN: The economic loss due to ambient air pollution each year is equivalent to 5% of the country’s GDP; VN ranked 4 th in the number of
pollution-linked deaths in the Western Pacific, with 50,232 deaths caused by air pollution (2017 report by Global Alliance on Health and
Pollution)
- Growing urban sprawl -> higher energy consumption
- Deforestation and illegal logging
- Extraction of earth for raw materials
- Contaminated soil from industrial leakage
- Increasing disappearance of fertile land

Water:
Deutsche Welle (DW) international broadcaster:
- Oil can suffocate and intoxicate fish and birds. And even if they survive, their offspring might not -> Bilge water can cause tremendous
damage to marine life.
- Ships use bilge pumps to illegally dump toxic waste in the ocean. Ironically, bilge pumps are designed to prevent oil pollution by collecting
oil from the ocean and dump it into a safe space. However, radar imaging satellites have the potential to detect ships responsible for bilge
dumping.
Water pollution caused by fast fashion: Water that is left over from the dyeing process is often dumped and channeled into streams or rivers. The
whole dyeing process uses enough water to fill two million Olympic-sized swimming pools every year.
Acid rain can also cause pH of lakes, water bodies to drop -> threaten marine life
Pharmaceuticals are a hidden contaminant in our water as water quality tests do not test for presence of pharmaceuticals
Water-borne diseases such as cholera from contaminated water – more prevalent in areas with poor sanitary conditions. Also, stagnant pools of
water -> insect-borne diseases (dengue fever, malaria, etc.) -> human health risks
Coastal expansion, land reclamation -> sediments like rocks and sand are deposited into the sea -> suffocate corals and other marine plants (eg. corals
in Egypt Red Sea) -> disruption to marine ecosystem

Light:
- Excessive exposure to artificial light can adversely impact our health. While light, in general, can suppress the production of melatonin (the
hormone affecting our sleep-wake cycle) blue light from screens and LEDs can do so more strongly.
- Artificial light can also do harm to animals

Land:
- Industrial leakage -> contaminated soil
Eg. According to official sources in China, nearly one-fifth of the agricultural land is contaminated
- Increasing disappearance of fertile land
- Deforestation & illegal logging
- Acid rain (formed by SO2 released from coal burning) has damaged forests throughout Europe + caused soil acidification -> plants die

Does awareness of environmental issues translate into political or individual action?

How far is recycling the answer to the problem of waste?
Govt efforts:
- SG: Recycle N Save is a joint initiative by F&N and NEA to place 50 Smart Reverse Vending Machines across Singapore to encourage recycling
of used plastic drink bottles and aluminium drink cans amongst Singaporeans. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) are machines which are
able to identify, sort and collect empty plastic drink bottles and aluminium drink cans and reward users when the containers have been
accepted by the machines.
- Plastic bags are now charged in many major supermarkets and outlets in many countries, from SG to….
Many companies have come up with novel ways to get more people to recycle
- Volkswagen Fun Theory – Bottle Bank Arcade (typical glass collection bin is turned into an arcade machine) – after 1 night, more than 100
ppl used the recycling machine.
Is it possible to protect the environment when many countries require increasing amounts of energy to progress?
Agree:
- One example of green technology used in many countries nowadays is waste-to-energy plants. From Germany to Vietnam, household
garbage is used as a fuel for generating power in place of coal, oil and natural gas.
- Electric vehicles, such as Tesla’s cars, which reduce the dependency on petroleum. In 2021, electric car sales were 6.6 million worldwide.
- In land-scarce tropical countries like Singapore, solar panels are installed on rooftops to leverage abundant solar power and maximise the
use of space, thereby increasing energy efficiency.
- To tackle the lack of funds to implement green technology, some developing countries have collaborated to establish large-scale regional
electricity markets, such as the ASEAN power grid.
- In Alberta, Canada, the government recently expanded restrictions on all new coal exploration and development activities on the eastern
slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
- The Mekong River Commission between Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, established to ensure equitable utilisation and sustainable
development of the Mekong River.
- Another example is the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda that guides the fair allocation of natural resources and ensures
that these will remain available and accessible for future generations.
- 16 of the world’s largest cities have signed up to a global warming initiative to slash energy

Disagree:
- Fossil fuels have been powering economies for over 150 years, and currently supply about 80 per cent of the world’s energy.
- India, for example, hopes to transition to renewable energy as its economy grows, but the investment needed to meet its renewable energy
goals is equivalent to over ten times the country’s annual spending on health and education.
- Fossil fuels are the cheapest and most reliable source of energy. It is therefore unsurprising that poor and middle-income countries already
account for just over half of total carbon emissions, according to a World Bank report.
‘Greed is the greatest cause of environmental problems in the world today.’ Do you agree?
Greed: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed
AGREE
- Highly consumerist society – buy and throwaway culture, for some material possessions reflect social status -> generate massive waste
- Companies

DISAGREE
To what extent is affluence responsible for environmental problems?
Key players/Stakeholders: Individuals, Corporations, Govts (developing, developed), Non-governmental organisations, International Organisations
Agree:
(Govts)
- Generating economic prosperity will help improve quality of life
- Environmental policy of Trump administration: Prioritise American economic and energy output - scrapping environmental regulations and
increasing fossil fuel use; pulled out of Paris Climate Accord (the only nation not a part of it)
- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro: “We understand the importance of the Amazon for the world – but the Amazon is ours… No country in
 the world has the moral right to talk about the Amazon. You destroyed your own ecosystems.”
(Corporations)
- Highly incentivized by profits, desire long-term business sustainability
- Major oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP and Total spend abt $195m a year on branding campaigns that on the surface
seem to support action against climate change. But in reality, they are actually lobbying against, imposing policies and regulations, and
heavily investing in the fossil fuel business.
(Individuals/Consumers/Households)
- Desire to live comfortable & fulfilled lives; well-being is achieved through abundance and consumption; for some, consumption ability is
reflective of one’s social status; purchase increase is founded on exclusivity, but this mentality has created a throw-away culture – our
consumerist society today overconsumes and overproduces in excess short-lived or disposable items over durable, long-lasting goods.
- Up to 85% of textiles go into landfills each year.

Is it futile to try and save the environment? / ‘Environmental protection is a lost cause.’ Is this a fair comment? / Is it true that environmental
problems we face are unsolvable? ---/ A clean and green modern world is an unattainable goal. Do you agree? --- / Examine the view that
environmental conservation is a desirable but unrealistic goal. / ‘It is not feasible to save the earth by 2050.’ What do you think? / Is it naïve to
consider a global plan for conservation and protection of the environment?
Environmental conservation is realistic/attainable: Shift in mindset among today’s generation; ppl are also more educated, health-conscious
- Fridays for Future – a youth-led and organised global climate strike that was started in 2018 by Greta Thunberg
- Extinction Rebellion – global environmental movement whose main aim is to reduce carbon emissions
- SG: Community groups: SG Haze Rescue - a community of Singaporeans sharing resources to help individuals and families to overcome hazy
periods
- Influencers/Celebrities who try to advocate for environmental protection: Prince Ea, Nas Daily,…; Leonardo DiCaprio – ‘Before the flood’
National Geographic documentary about climate change, Emma Watson - promoting fair trade and ethical standards in the fashion industry,
Natalie Portman co-produced the “Eating Animals” documentary about farming across the US and its sustainability
However (R): Awareness of environmental problems does not necessarily translate into actions (green behaviour)
- (Nielsen Insights report) suggests 73% of consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment,
and almost half would switch to environmentally friendly products.
But the results should be interpreted cautiously. As US psychologist Icek Ajzen wrote: “Actions, then, are controlled by intentions, but not
all intentions are carried out”. Consumer concern about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally
friendly products. (CNA) Commercial research says 46 per cent of consumers are more inclined to buy a product if it is eco-friendly. But
nearly 60 per cent are unwilling to pay more money for that eco-friendly product. One study found Spanish consumers were willing to pay
22–37 per cent more for green products, but Japanese consumers were only willing to pay 8 per cent to 22 per cent more for green
products.
- (Straits times Apr 2022) In SG, the domestic recycling rate is only 13%.
- (University of Southern Indiana) The U.S. is the number 1 trash-producing country in the world at 1,609 pounds per person per year. This
means that 5% of the world's people generate 40% of the world's waste.

Environmental conservation is unrealistic/unattainable: (Major stakeholders do not prioritise environmental conservation)

1. Businesses are a major contributor to climate change, as (CGS 2019 Retail and Sustainability Survey) revealed that only 100 companies are
responsible for 71% of global emissions. However, in today’s competitive market, businesses have to continuously increase their capital and profits to
ensure their survival. Thus, environmental conservation usually takes a back seat. While it can be argued that more businesses are shifting towards
sustainability, most will only do so if it benefits their corporate image and has potential long-term gains. Several major MNCs which were once looked
up to for their environmental consciousness and sustainability have been accused of ‘greenwashing’. This clearly shows that many businesses are only
interested in maximising their self-interest, and are unconcerned about their ecological footprints.
- Global fast fashion companies like H&M and Zara have come out with eco-collections that claim to reduce the harms involved. They also say
that they’re moving their whole brands in a more sustainable direction. Customers can bring used clothes to any stores and they will be
resold as second-hand clothing. However, in reality only over half of donated clothing is sold overseas, while the rest is turned into
industrial material, burned, or goes to landfill.
- IKEA was considered a beacon of sustainability before June 2020 when it became linked with illegal logging in Ukraine
- Major oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP and Total spend abt $195m a year on branding campaigns that on the surface
seem to support action against climate change. But in reality, they are actually lobbying against, imposing policies and regulations, and
heavily investing in the fossil fuel business.

Moreover, since greener technology is often more costly, businesses have little incentive to make the switch, especially small enterprises as they may
face budget constraints/not have the financial means to do so.
- (CNA) Sustainable materials cost more to grow and manufacture, reputable third-party certifications add further costs and using organic
materials is more expensive than alternatives such as mass-produced chemicals.
- (Raconteur) 43% of brands surveyed have cited cost as one of the greatest obstacles in switching to sustainable packaging.

Hence environmental conservation cannot be achieved w/out cooperation by firms.

2. Governments also play a big role in environmental conservation, as they have the power to allocate a nation’s resources to address any issues at
hand. However, from LDCs like …. To DCs like…, economic development is always given priority over environmental conservation. For LDCs and
developing countries especially, economic expansion is crucial for the survival of its increasing population… Money is needed to address poverty,
reduce education gaps, rebuilt infrastructure in times of natural disasters, etc. -> Thus, there is little budget left for environmental projects
- VN: Govt spend billions each year to tackle the aftermath of annual floods in Central provinces (Nghe An, Ha Tinh…) -> They have little
budget left to invest in environmental projects
- India, for example, hopes to transition to renewable energy as its economy grows, but the investment needed to meet its renewable energy
goals is equivalent to over ten times the country’s annual spending on health and education.
 - Fossil fuels are the cheapest and most reliable source of energy. It is therefore unsurprising that poor and middle-income countries already
account for just over half of total carbon emissions, according to a World Bank report.
While it could be argued that there are international protocols and agreements (eg….), they are not legally-binding. Major producers of
carbon emissions like America, China and India would not like to compromise their economic devt and competitiveness. -> ineffective (eg.
Kyoto Protocol 2012)
Also it takes a coordinated effort by many countries to make a noticeable difference, individual efforts by one country is simply not enough.
However, many DCs are only concerned about their own interests and are unwilling to support others.
- Even as many poorer countries wanted increased finance to be a legally-binding requirement at global climate agreements where richer
countries pledge to help poorer ones, the US has made it clear that it would never ratify such as deal. / At the 2013 UN climate meeting in
Doha, the US, Europe and other developed nations refused to set a timetable for a rise in aid for developing nations to help them cope with
global warming. The new draft merely agreed to put off decisions to the next year.

‘All talk and no action.’ Is this a fair assessment of effort to protect the environment today?
- Nestle had ‘ambitions’ for its packaging to be 100% recyclable by 2025 but has set no clear targets
- Temporary, one-off events such as Earth Hour (people around the world switch off lights for an hour)
- International (legally non-binding) agreements: Kyoto Protocol (1997), Montreal Protocol (1987) and Copenhagen Summit (2009) (in the
past), upcoming 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt, ASEAN agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
(2002), United Nations Framework on Climate Change, UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 which emphasise goals such as climate
action, clean energy and sustainability
-

‘Too little, too late.’ Is this a fair comment on environmental conservation efforts? ---

Can sustainable living be a realistic goal?

- Sustainable living: Sustainable living is the practice of reducing your demand for natural resources by making sure that you replace what you
use to the best of your ability. Sometimes that can mean not choosing to consume a product that is made using practices that don’t
promote sustainability, and sometimes it means changing how you do things so that you start becoming more of an active part of the cycle
of life. It is not an interchangeable term with ‘sustainable development’, which is more about national or international goals.
- CGS, a global provider of business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services, announced the findings from its 2019 Retail
and Sustainability Survey, revealing that only 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions. It is found that more than half of
global industrial emissions since 1988 — the year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was established — can be traced to just
25 corporate and state-owned entities. Sustainable living then, even if every single person in the world adopts it, is not realistic as profit-
oriented companies are the world’s largest polluters and history shows us that they would definitely prioritise capital gain rather than
environmental sustainability.
- The oil and gas industry continues to be the main source of energy in the world, and is one of the most important parameters that have left
an impact on the growth of the global economy. Oil and gas industries supply more than 50% of global fuel consumption, and hydrocarbons
are expected to remain the superior source of energy in 2035 (BP, 2017b). Daily production of oil was around 96.3 million barrels in 2016
which yields 2 liters per day per each person in the world. It is simply unrealistic to expect them to implement sustainable development
policies as the production of every barrel of crude oil causes contamination and pollution.

To what extent should environmental problems be the concern of developing nations? / To what extent is it acceptable for government to ignore
environmental concerns?
Thesis statement eg: Although developing nations often have other pressing concerns to deal with, such as poverty, environmental problems should
still be a major concern as they threaten the health of citizens, their livelihoods, and the nation’s natural heritage and biodiversity in the long term.
- The economic, as well as environmental cost of not acting on climate change is potentially huge. Up to $44 trillion could be knocked off the
global economy by 2060 if the world does nothing, according to research from US banking giant Citigroup.

‘In a money-driven world, the environment is no longer a priority.’ Is this your view?
- Currently many countries are more focused on economic development than sustainable development.
- In pragmatic Singapore, the emphasis is still on economic devt as it is a small nation without natural resources. Mr Lee Kuan Yew once
argued that whatever efforts on the part of Singapore to conserve the environment will have very little impact on the world.
- Corporations today are balancing desire for profit maximization with environmental consciousness, developing products or undertaking
efforts to conserve the environment. Eg. Apple, Tesla, Starbucks… (Are measures truly effective?) However, the measures of these
companies are not necessarily enough to show that they are prioritising the environment over profits. In the long run, production cost and
carbon footprint of such products will impact the environment even more. Eg. Tesla and car batteries made from lithium-ion cells; Apple
and Samsung making 3-5 new phone models every year and making it harder to repair phones; Environmentally destructive mines…
- It could be argued that renewable energy sources (eg. solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, energy of waves and tides, hydrogen
fuel cells) are too expensive for some developing countries to adopt. However, the costs have declined significantly in recent years (thanks
to research & development), even prompting countries like Costa Rica and Afghanistan to go renewable
‘The environment is the cause of our woes today.’ Discuss.
Woes: things that cause sorrow or distress; troubles; problems, burden
Agree:
- Pollution problems: (mainly caused by human activities – deforestation, industrialization…)
Global: 2018, according to WHO: 9 out of 10 ppl breathe air containing high levels of pollutants, air pollution accounts for ~7mil. deaths globally
per yr (2.2 mil. in Western Pacific Region alone)
VN: The economic loss due to ambient air pollution each year is equivalent to 5% of the country’s GDP; VN ranked 4th in the number of pollution-
linked deaths in the Western Pacific, with 50,232 deaths caused by air pollution (2017 report by Global Alliance on Health and Pollution)
- More frequent extreme weather events: SG: more flash floods, heavy rainfall; forest fires, heat waves; desertification
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): says the number and duration of droughts have risen 29 per cent
 since 2000 and that an estimated 700 million people will be at risk of being displaced by drought by 2030 unless action is stepped up.
Earthquake in Tohoku, Japan (2011): nuclear meltdown

Disagree:
- The environment still provides us with valuable resources that can in fact reduce our burden and worry. In fact, most environmental
problems are caused by human activities.

Is it true that our environmental problems are so incredibly huge and complex that it is impossible for an individual to make a difference? –
- Striking against ecocide: unlawful acts committed in the knowledge of destroying ecosystems or harming the well-being of a species,
including humans
- Collective action promotes a crucial sense of empowerment, and this is given further momentum by the media. (Are their voices necessarily
heard? How effective are strikes?)
- Awareness of environmental issues does not automatically translate into political or individual action. But it is a good place to start.
- Media: A lot if media attention and publicity is given to environmental issues – efforts to raise awareness of severity of problems and ways
individuals can partake in environmental conservation (‘Live Earth’, ‘Inconvenient Truth’, etc.); Celebrities who support the environmental
causes: Leonardo Di Caprio (‘Before the flood’ National Geographic documentary), Natalie Portman, Emma Watson
Environmental protection is largely the responsibility of the state. Do you agree? --
DISAGREE
Businesses are a major contributor to climate change, as (CGS 2019 Retail and Sustainability Survey) revealed that only 100 companies are responsible
for 71% of global emissions.

However, govts also have the power to craft policies, laws and regulations that directly influence (deters/provides incentives) businesses…

AGREE
Govts have the necessary resources (land, capital, labour) to….

Govts also hv the power to influence ppl’s actions (as they are representatives voted by the citizens)

How far is modern consumerism a threat to the environment? / ‘Modern living comes at the expense of the envir.’ To what extent is this true? /
Extreme consumerism is the main cause of environmental degradation. Do you agree?
‘Poverty is the greatest enemy of the environment.’ Is this true? –
- India, for example, hopes to transition to renewable energy as its economy grows, but the investment needed to meet its renewable energy
goals is equivalent to over ten times the country’s annual spending on health and education.
- Fossil fuels are the cheapest and most reliable source of energy. It is therefore unsurprising that poor and middle-income countries already
account for just over half of total carbon emissions, according to a World Bank report.
‘Businesses should be concerned with environmental protection.’ How realistic is this position? -----
Corporate social responsibility - a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance rather than degrade
society and the environment.
Disagree:
- Impossible for businesses to operate while protecting the envir. – environmental exploitation is inevitable
- Slash and burn practices common in Asia (unethical farming practices) -> large amounts of smoke produced -> haze blown to neighbouring
countries
- Volkswagen admitted to using highly sophisticated software to alter vehicle performance and cheat on emissions test
Agree:
- IKEA was considered a beacon of sustainability before June 2020 when it became linked with illegal logging in Ukraine
- BP oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico – heavily fined by the Environment Protection Agency (US)
- Many grocery stalls in SG removed products from their shelves produced by companies responsible for the Indonesia Haze
- MNCs like Walmart are taking the lead in green makeovers to improve energy efficiency and corporate image. Reports from Climate Group
showed 43 MNCs saved a combined $11.6 bil in 2006 by improving energy efficiency.
Is it possible to develop a country’s economy without incurring any environmental costs? Discuss. -- / Environmental concerns and economic
growth cannot co-exist. Do you agree?
‘Man’s interest in the environment is purely selfish.’ Discuss. –
AGREE
Greenwashing – corporate social responsibility

DISAGREE (efforts have been made to protect and preserve the environment)
Changing mindsets of today’s generation -> indivs step up to initiate climate action, celebs/influencers advocating for environmental protection
online

Ecotourism -> sustainable tourism that enhances the natural environment and local communities
- Waitomo Caves in New Zealand – local Maori
Regional and International efforts
-
- ASEAN power grid
-
Discuss the view that all countries have an equal responsibility to save the environment.
DISAGREE
Some countries generate more waste than others
AGREE
The growth of eco-tourism is a threat to the environment. Discuss. / ‘Eco-tourism is the worst solution to environmental problems.’ Discuss.
AGREE

DISAGREE
- Waitomo Caves in NZ

How far can we depend on science to solve environmental problems? –

- Geo-engineering (space mirrors)
- Carbon capture and storage technology – Companies like General Electric and British Petroleum signed a deal to develop hydrogen power
plants to capture carbon and bury it underground
- Biofuels
- Hybrid/ electric cars
- Renewable energy sources
- LED lights in place of incandescent lights (such as in hotels)
- GM food
- Dams for flood control
- Clouds seeding to make artificial rain
- Eco-friendly building and cities eg. Changi Airport; Tianjin eco-city in Binhari Area (an eco-technology park in China)
- Compulsory use of catalytic converters
- Hydroponics (plants grown without soil)
- SG: provides incentives to businesses like the Green Audit Awards
- DELL tries to limit carbon footprint in packaging process: to ship laptops and other technology in smaller containers with more eco-friendly
materials such as mushroom foam. The biodegradable foam can be thrown away, composted or crumbled up and used in the garden to add
nutrients back into the soil.

To what extent is the pursuit of continuous economic growth a desirable goal? / Should your country (SG/VN) continue to prioritise economic
development?
To what extent is sport an environmentally-unfriendly endeavour?
Our attempts to save the environment cause more harm than good. Do you agree?
The environment is a cause of health problems today. Is this a valid claim?
Can cities ever be environmentally friendly?
To what extent have efforts to manage the climate crisis been successful?
- NGOs – Greenpeace, WWF
- (Green politics) Promotion of Green politics – a political ideology that aims for creation of an ecologically sustainable society rooted in
environmentalism. Green parties have achieved national or state parliamentary representation worldwide (eg. in Ireland, Australia,
Germany, New Zealand, USA) Politicians often play the environment card (US – Joe Biden’s presidential campaign was centered around
climate change) – Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act is worth $555bil. in climate change investments in clean energy and renewable power.
His plan aims to have America achieve net-zero emissions by no later than 2050
- Fridays for Future – a youth-led and organised global climate strike that was started in 2018 by Greta Thunberg
- Extinction Rebellion – global environmental movement whose main aim is to reduce carbon emissions
- SG’s Green Plan by 2030, green buildings in Singapore (Changi Airport) and Plant-A-Tree-Programme
- Individual: ‘A Litter A Day’ movement started by Ms Elisa Ng in 2013
- Community groups: SG Haze Rescue - a community of Singaporeans sharing resources to help individuals and families to overcome hazy
periods
- International group: World Wildlife Fund, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
- Malaysia recently announced its plan to use black soldier fly larvae in organic waste treatment
- Lynn Tan (SG) - founder of The Powder Shampoo: water-free powder shampoo
- Indonesia has revealed plans for its new $33bil. capital on the forested island of Borneo to replace the crowded, polluted megacity of
Jakarta.
- Green consumerism
- Volkswagen Fun Theory – went viral on Youtube (3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
- Population control initiatives
- SG: All buses have to pass an emissions test by the NEA

In your society, how well are the demands of the economy and the environment balanced?
Your society – SG & VN?
- Singapore Green Plan by 2030
THE AGED
US: (poll by AARP) 78% of older adult workers say they’ve seen or have experienced age discrimination in the workplace, 49.3% of older adults, aged
55 and above, that are in the job market are long-term unemployed
THE DISABLED
(Report by ILO) ~470 mil. of the world's working age ppl have some form of disability. Over 60% of people with disabilities are of working age,
however, they experience an unemployment rate 80-100% higher than average non-disabled workers. In Europe, 52% of all people with severe
disabilities do not participate in the labour force.
EX-CONVICTS
(2019 CNA article) interviews with former offenders, criminal lawyers and human resources experts showed that the indelible records of someone
 with a criminal past in cyberspace could have wide-ranging consequences, from employment prospects being affected, tarnished reputations, to their
loved ones being harassed.
GENDER EQUALITY
Women: (UNICEF) Worldwide, nearly 1 in 4 girls btwn the ages of 15-19 are neither employed nor in education or training, compared to 1 in 10 boys.
1 in 20 girls btwn the ages of 15-19 (~13 mil) hv experienced forced sex.
LGBTQ+: SG: Criminalising sex between consenting male adults (legal for women), with up to 2 years of jail, caning and fines.
Paternity leave for men
RACE & RELIGION
SG: ‘Chinese privilege’ and the call-out culture; In 2021, out of an average of 379 workplace discrimination complaints, 60% were nationality-based.
VN: Malnutrition rates among ethnic minority children are double those of the majority. Just 13% of Hmong and Dao children attend upper secondary
school, versus 65% of Kinh and Hoa.
INCOME EQUALITY
2021 World Inequality Report: The richest 10% of the global population owns 76% of all wealth (valuable assets), while the poorest half owns just 2%.
VN: Concerns abt disparities btwn the rich & poor are greater when a person believes that the disparities are driven by illegitimate practices.
(Corruption); In 2020, the income of the highest-income group was 8 times higher than that of the lowest-income group.
ACADEMIC PRESSURE
Pressure from parents/teachers, academic rat race -> mental problems (depression), suicide
South Korea: ‘Hell Joseon’ Societal pressure, competition and family expectation weigh heavily on young adults. The suicide rate in South Korea is one
of the highest in the world. (2019 survey published in Hankyoreh newspaper) 83.1% of young women and 78.4% of young men consider Korea “hell”,
29.8% of young women and 34.1% of young men consider themselves “losers.”
SG: (2019 OECD study) 3 in 4 Singapore students fear failure, higher than global average
PREJUDICE
&
DISCRIMINATION