Work towards systemic changes this Earth Day

Eugene Tay Tse Chuan Today Online 19 Apr 14;

On every Earth Day (April 22), we are reminded of the need to take small, individual actions for our environment. This year, let us also think about how we can work towards more impactful changes.

While it is important that each of us takes action, it is more important to focus on systemic changes.

These include building sustainable urban infrastructure and green buildings; increasing the resilience of our energy, water and food security; redesigning and developing new ways to make, reuse and recycle products and materials; and conserving our biodiversity.

These large changes are likely to be achieved mostly through governmental efforts, but could happen faster with individuals pushing for these actions to be discussed and implemented.

The Government has taken good care of our country’s environment; so well that we do not see the need to care or take responsibility. Most Singaporeans tend to depend on the Government.

We must change this indifferent attitude if we are to ensure a sustainable environment, which requires the efforts of both the Government and the people. Singaporeans should do our part.

We should use our rights as citizens and participate actively and positively in nudging the Government in the formulation of environmental policies, such as having more clean energy, introducing green procurement or minimising waste through redesign and reuse.

This could be through government dialogues or feedback channels, and the media. For example, the REACH platform allows discussion on various green issues. Government agencies are also having more public consultations on environmental strategies.

We could also start or join groups to advocate systemic changes in development plans, such as Chek Jawa in the past or the Cross Island Line cutting across the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

There are opportunities to voice concerns about the environment. As we state our stand on these issues, though, it is important to base it not only on our convictions, but also on facts, and to adopt a constructive win-win mentality.