Community Group and Environmental Leadership

Throughout this module, there has been a reoccurring theme with community groups from all the case studies that Dr. Chuthatip Maneepong has talked about. Sustainability efforts from the community level require awareness, education, and leadership. In this last case study on Mae Kha Canal, Chiangmai, Thailand, Bio waste treatment initiatives, there needs to be awareness of the imminent issue of pollution in the Canal to get the community motivated in taking action, there needs to be education to help the community know how to treat their waste, and leadership to ensure that community members take action on sustainability efforts.

In addition, most of the case studies are based on developing countries in rural regions where individuals’ prime focus is to make ends meet to survive. If sustainability efforts can be linked with economic revenue, than there will be greater adoption of community sustainability efforts. Therefore, incentives and monetary support are also important factors in driving sustainability efforts with rural community groups in Thailand and Laos.

Lastly, I believe community groups are highly driven by the individuals. There needs to be coherence in a community group. Therefore, sustainability efforts also require tackling the softer issues such as building connections between individuals through community meetings, bonding activities, and vision sharing.

Environmental Awareness- My personal take

The Positive Message of 'Love the Environment' at I Light Marina Bay 2012 Festival

I believe to gain grounds on environmental awareness across the mass public requires cities to reach out to the public in creative ways other than broadcasted as oppressing issues on prime time news. Through the years, I have learned about environmental issues from seeing images of natural disaster around the world on prime time news and this has made me afraid of the future of our environment. As a result, over time I have shunned myself from the realization of environmental issues. However, the ‘I light Marina Bay’ festival in Singapore has made learning about environmental sustainability a lighter note.

Other than public awareness of environmental issues through prime time news, I think government need to invest in more creative communication channels within the local context of the community to reach out to the public. In addition, I believe environmental issues should be showcased to the public in a more positive light that engages the public rather than to make them afraid. The ‘I light Marina Bay festival’ in Singapore is a great example as it is able to reach out to individuals of all ages and educational background. Environmental awareness is communicated to the public through art installations that promote the exploration of energy efficient technologies. In addition, sustainability programs are set up for the public to explore sustainability in different ways such as ‘I Light Laughter’ story-telling, ‘Switch it’ painting workshop, and ‘Tip Me’ competition to allow the public to share ideas on energy efficiency tips. 

It provides a positive and fun experience that eases people into both environmental issues and current explorations in tackling them. Most importantly, I believe festival and events like this provides a positive and pragmatic experience that demonstrates to the public how they can make a difference in a local scale. For example, simply turning off their lights in their home more often or switching to more energy efficient lighting technologies. 

Image source

http://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/love-is-very-much-in-the-air-at-i-light-marina-bay-2012/

Community Adaptation

From week 11 lecture, the case study presented on Bang Khuan Thian (BKT) Bangkok, Thailand community adaptation measures have been largely dependent on community participation. However, in order to sustain the region of BKT, financial support from a larger system is needed to increase and improve ecological conservation. The community needs to diversify economic activities, besides aqua culture, to maintain economic livelihood. As well, the changing perspective of youths, who may not place as high a value on traditional economic economy of aquaculture will be less committed to community-based projects such as planting mangroves and building bamboo dykes. Therefore, I believe BKT can introduce eco-tourism as a community adaptation measure to generate economic revenue to sustain the community and the physical environment.

Jiuzhaigou Biosphere Reserve (JBR) in Sichuan Province is a case study of how eco-tourism can be introduced as a successful measure of community adaptation. JBR is similar to BKT, in that before eco-tourism was introduced, its economy was highly dependent on agriculture and grazing with limited source of income and the community was living an impoverished life. Eco-tourism was introduced into the region and the local income dramatically increased by 188% per capita in a span of 10 years. Not only did the community’s income per capita increased, it provided more diverse job opportunities for individuals and it decreases their dependence on agriculture. In turn, interviews conducted with local residents have responded that that their natural landscape improved due to villagers ceasing their agricultural activities due to revenues and benefits from the tourism industry. This shift from agricultural dependence to tourism has helped to improve the sustainability of JBR community as it is less vulnerable to resource depletion, provided a platform for economic revenue and brought awareness and importance to the community about ecological conservation.

In addition, I believe eco-tourism can promote the economic value of BKT at a governmental level. This will bring awareness to the national government to contribute resources towards ecological conservation and sustainability of BKT because of its value.

Reference 

Case Study of Jiu Zhaigou Biosphere Reserve in Sichuan Province (Chapter 5, p. 92 - 107)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/52891038/Ecotourism-and-environmental-sustainability

Greening Universities

Why do I feel the need to learn about environmental sustainability as a design student? I believe universities should integrate the learning of environmental sustainability into all faculties. I agree with the week 9 lecture, when Professor David Higgitt brought up the point that there are many evidences that a sustainability agenda is having a major impact on the labour market. In particular, the design field has shown a focus towards creating environmentally sustainable products. Sustainability is trickling into design thinking.

IDEO a leading design firm, in which most design student sought after is already integrating sustainability into their design process and thinking. Steve Bishop, the global lead of sustainability at IDEO, in a recent interview with the Atlantic, said that sustainability can be a tool for designers to innovate, is how we can define good design moving into the future, and is a new market demand. At IDEO they have a program called project vacation, where they set aside a day to take a vacation away from a client’s design brief to address sustainability in the project. However, he also mentioned that project teams are feeling ill-equipped to address sustainability topics confidently. Therefore, I feel like to gain a competitive edge as a design student, we must harness sustainability literacy in this new generation.

I feel that the idea of sustainability is also being emphasized in the current design modules at NUS and at my home university. Though, sustainability is only included in our design brief as a criteria for our projects. However, we lack the knowledge and information to understand what sustainability encompasses and jump to the conclusion of designing for environmental sustainability. However, this module has taught me that sustainability also includes tackling issues of society, governance, human behaviour, in addition to environmental impacts.

References
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/12/ideos-steve-bishop-on-the-future-of-sustainable-design-thinking/249225

[Virtual Tutorial Reflection] (In)Equity, (In)Equality and (In)Justice

Q1) Quality of life is where resources are allocated in an equitable manner. I believe all individuals of all social-economic standing have an opportunity to achieve satisfaction and happiness, in addition to having a good human development index. Allocating money resources to individuals provide equal opportunities in pursing education towards better job placements, with skill training advancement, thus brings greater satisfaction to individuals.

This may require the efforts of a justice system that regulates the allocation of resources. For example, the idea of “tradeable carbon quotas” from Wilkinson and Pickett’s reading to redistribute income from rich to poor is something that the government can implement to bring about equity.

Q2) Rights to quality of life should be applied to all individuals, as inequality, inequity and injustice brings about many consequences (eg. environmental impacts, war and conflict and famine). As individuals who are part of a society, we need to have more empathy towards others. Consequences should be made more transparent for individuals; thus, stimulating individuals to have concern for others and to work together to achieve equality.

Q3) Equal societies can foster better creative and innovations to address environmental issues in terms of having more human resources with greater education, funding, and resources. However, inequality can spark greater creativity and innovation as they are driven by limitations and constraints.

Q4) I think inequality increases pressure to consume even among poorer individuals. Less affluent individuals would find alternatives such as purchasing clothes from a thrift store, electronics through eBay, or purchasing replica goods. Though some of these examples benefit the environment, by reusing products, it still promotes consumerism. This consumerism demand places demand on manufacturers to create alternative or replica product. For example, in Kuala Lumpur’s China Town, street vendors sell replicas of branded goods such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and many more. In turn resources and fuel are used in the manufacturing of these goods.

Overall, I felt the virtual tutorial was unsuccessful with the ANU campus as my team only received one response from the ANU team, while all of us contributed to answering the questions. The response we received from the ANU team lacked detail and was less insightful. However, I thought it was interesting to be able to read detailed answers from all my team members. We all took our own unique angle in answering the questions and therefore it provided me with new ways to look at (In)Equity, (In)Equality and (In)Justice.

[Tutorial 3 Reflection] Campus Sustainability

Often times, we do not know that our current behaviours are unsustainable, unless someone intervenes and bring awareness. For example, in Canada when I purchase canned soft drinks, a recycling tax imposed by the government would be embedded at my point of purchase at a local supermarket. Therefore, it encourages me to bring the cans to a recycling depot to be given back my money.

One way to change behaviours on a local scale is to involve businesses to embed sustainable practices in there activities, so that consumers can learn from their daily transactions. Business can intervene by providing incentives and rewards for their customers. This challenges our current behaviours and allows us to understand how to become more sustainable through being rewarded for doing the correct thing. For example, in our collaboration with ANU, a student provided the example of Project Tumbler which is a Starbucks campaign held at the NUS campus store. Students receive the reward of 50 cents off their drink when they collect 5 stamps, on a stamp card that each student was given by Starbucks. As a result, we can see more students bringing in their own tumbler and a reduction in disposable coffee cups in the campus.

Moreover, business also needs the motivation for adopting more sustainable practices. Therefore, I believe that national government would also need to intervene by providing regulations and incentives for companies to engage in sustainability practices. Changing behaviours on a local scale with local businesses requires the leadership from the national stage. For my research on how Hong Kong combats carbon emission for my collaborative project, the Hong Kong government provides incentives for the two power companies (Hong Kong Electric and China Light & Power) based on their energy performance from their energy audits and sets it into their licensing agreements. This encouraged the power companies to take their own initiatives to increase their power performance. Indeed, they did it through setting up a loan fund that engages their non-government customers to implement energy saving initiatives (1).

Incentives when given as a reward for doing the right thing can be a useful tool for changing peoples' behaviours on environmental sustainability.

References

(1) http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201106/01/P201106010153.htm

Image Sources

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5621463078_fde965cae6.jpg

[Tutorial 2] Tragedy of the Commons

From Hardin’s reading Tragedy of the Commons describes resources held in common are vulnerable to massive degradation from humankind through over consumption. We need to bring about exclusion and regulation of use and users to prevent over exploitation of common resources/ welfare of others. However, in tutorials we learned that exploitation can also be affected by culture/tradition. Therefore, in addition to Hardin’s proposed solutions, we need to bring awareness of traditions and norms that also influences the impact of tragedy of the commons, to propose new balanced lifestyles that is able to sustain resources for future generations. For example, we discussed about the culture of having shark fin soup for Asian cultures. We learned that the act of partaking in shark fin soup is to celebrate a special occasion, to give respect to the host who served it, and a symbol status of wealth. What can we do to bring awareness without being disrespectful to a culture, but may have an impact on others? There are those who can silently refuse to partake, but their share would be transferred to another guest who will then consume it.  A more proactive way, that a student mentioned was that in weddings, the host can choose not to serve shark fin and indicate their stance on shark fin and bring awareness to family and friends. As well, by taking a stance, they are able to set new standards in their community of family and friends. Through the discussion, I began to believe a top-down approach is needed to re-adjust cultural values and traditions. The bottom-up approach of refraining from consuming a certain good would only mean that others would have the opportunity to take your share. On the other hand, a top-down approach such a regulations imposed on a community can impact more individuals, bringing greater awareness to the issue. People would work more collectively to readjust the issue.

Human Dimensions of Global Change

In my opinion, I don’t believe the majority of individuals understand their impact on Global Change.

Global Change is understood when disaster strikes close to their home such as flooding, erratic weather, and drought. For example in North America, in the summer when the water reservoirs  become too low, then the city would regulate household water consumption such as watering the lawn can only be permitted on odd days to conserve water supplies. It is not until these circumstances, that we understand that water supply is not infinite, but indeed finite.

Global Change seems to be a faraway issue that is hard to relate to as it is communicated through scientific terms and findings. There are many graphs on how global climate change is affecting us that looks disconcerting, but we do not know how to read or interpret the graphs.  

Global change is talked about in broad terms such as global climate change, war and conflict, drought, but global change can be felt in smaller scales such as soil in your yard becoming infertile and increasing sickness in your family.

Global Change is distorted through political agendas. Most people relate to Global Change as global warming, because most government initiatives and marketing campaigns are aimed at reducing carbon emissions to maintain the business as usual scenario. However, global change encompasses issues such as soil erosion that can lead to depletion of food resources.  

From our first learning portfolio entry, we learned that people learn in many different ways. People learn through their experiences, using metaphors and analogies to communicate how they learn. To bring the issues of Global Change closer to everyday individuals, I believe there needs to be improvement in the communication of Global Change in order to gain public awareness and support for the issue.

Bottom-up approach to sustainable waste management: Case Studies form Laos

From Dr Chuthatip Maneepong case studies of community based waste management projects from Laos presented in Week 6 Lecture, money and leadership from the government, International Development Agencies, and Community are the major factors in a successful bottom-up approach. The success of the efforts in Nong Duang Thong Village (Inner City Slum) is due to the network of leadership between CIDA that help establish a legitimate contract for the Village, Village Leader watches over the Community Environment Units to facilitate actions in the community, and Community Environment Units to support Villagers in their efforts. Money also played a key role in that it gave facilities and incentives for the community members to participate in waste management of sorting and recycling. Such as, allowing villagers to make revenue from selling recycled goods, making the project a sustainable practice. With leadership, I believe there needs to be a chain of leadership to support one another.  In the example of Sisatanak, the community project failed because there were no further actions on the project after it was implemented due to lack of leadership and funding. The project was administrated by a villager nominated by the village head, and had no support from the government or international agencies. With low funding and resources, the sole villager did not have the capacity to motivate the others. With no authoritative figure, it was difficult for a villager to have credibility to influence others in supporting the project. In addition, there was no prior established leadership in the community making it hard for the villager to reach out to a fragmented community.

After learning from these case studies, I questioned if a bottom-up approach of waste management is appropriate to all communities? From my perspective, I believe in a lower income community, the approach is viable because profit can be generated from recycling efforts in improving their quality of living. However, in middle class income communities and above, a top-down approach would work better. This is because they are more reliant on the municipal government to deal with the collecting and processing of their waste. As culturally, recycling efforts are regarded as activities of the poor and they would be less engaged in community waste management projects.

[Tutorial 1] Reflections on developing a hypothetically, 10 million USD Project

My experience in developing projects for hypothetically, 10 million USD in solving peri-urbanisation issues in Ayutthaya, Thailand exposed me to the amount of research needed to justify a project to be implemented by the government. Research in financial cost of project, technologies made for developing countries, current government issues, environmental context and many more are factored into making a well-rounded and persuasive project. Some teams researched into financial projection of a whole waste management facility, different types of water treatment technologies, expanding road mitigation and rerouting, GIS to track migrant workers, incentives for migrant workers to register with the government and case studies from other countries that can relate and strengthen their projects. A well-rounded project also considers both the hardware and software components. For example, my team worked on tackling water supply management issues in Ayutthaya. Our solution consisted of the hardware of implementing water management technologies such as rainwater catchment swells to be placed on rooftops, desalination station, and super sand to filter out toxins in water. On the other hand, we needed to consider the issues of decentralized policy that has made the government network in Ayutthaya fragmented, resulting in more pressure on local agencies to work on issues with insufficient funding and resources. We worked on the software of devising a three tier government network, where there is an extra level of agency in the middle to connect the national government to the local government agencies. As a result, better communication and inter-dependence between the national level and local level can be established. In addition, research can come from many disciplines of studies. Such as, from design, we have the idea of think tanks where individuals gather together to collaboratively work on issues and problems. I suggested to the group, that the middle agency could act like a think tank, where they receive issues and feedback from the national government and local agencies and they would work as a workgroup to find solutions. Therefore, solutions from local agencies may be reported or filtered to the national level or the national government solutions and resources maybe infiltrated to solving local issues. In creating a well-developed project, there needs to be sound research into diverse factors, technologies, knowledge fields, disciplines and case studies from other countries that can strengthen the project idea. It is not only about implementing physical solutions, but also taking account of social issues and influences.

How can Governance Intervene towards Sustainable Globalization?

In this week's lecture, Chuthatip Maneepong, posed a challenge for us about how can multinational corporation work with peri-urbanized citizen towards a more sustainable globalization in Thailand? I believe it lies in governance, creating partnership policies with Multinational corporations. I recognize that Thailand as a developing country has a reliance on Multinational corporations from developed countries to provide investments for them to build major infrastructures and to meet essential needs of the citizen. On the other hand, Multinational Corporations from developed countries have the need to invest in Thailand because it has the resources that they are lacking. Therefore, I believe the governance have to act on this mutual reliance to set forth some policy that can sustain their resources to continue the longevity of socio-economic growth in Thailand. This is because Multinational corporations would not take action to help Thailand sustain their resources on their own, as their main concerns are to exploit resources where they are most abundant and in a cost-efficient process to maximize profits.

What can the government do? I believe the government can create a partnership policy whereas, if Multinational Corporation would like to build a manufacturing facility, they would need to fund the building of water and waste management infrastructure for their facility. Secondly, they would need to provide funding for research and development towards resource protection and sustainability. I believe if the policy is in place, it would create a win-win situation for both the governance of Thailand and the multinational corporation. The governance of Thailand would get the funding they need to sustain their resources for the future for both their citizen and to have continued partnership with Multinational corporations. For multinational corporations, they would continue to have longevity of profit from their manufacturing plants as there would be sufficient resources to support them. It decreases the amount of plants they have to shut down due to resource depletion in an area. The long term research and development would help the government in the future to become self-sustaining by creating more energy efficient infrastructures which can preserve and regenerate resources. However, the problem that needs to be considered in a developing country such as Thailand is the fragmented power of local and national governance, which causes administrative incapacity to carry out the policy. This policy maybe unfavourable for Multinational Corporation because it increases their investment cost and decreases their short term profits. If the government can provide better services for these Multinational Corporation in return for their investment, while guaranteeing availability of resources, then longevity of partnership can exist. The key to this negotiation is longevity of resources and social-economic growth.

Reference
http://journals.sfu.ca/jgcee/index.php/jgcee/article/viewArticle/30/9

Ideas for an Asia Century- Creating a new model

In a previous blog, I challenged is the western model the best model for the east such as Asia to achieve a higher standard of living. Asia is at the cross road, as in recent years, they have rapidly developed into a modern nation. They have the knowledge, potential, and resources to build a new model that can integrate sustainable practices, but the choice is theirs in how they define a higher standard of living. The economist group has recently held a conference in Singapore on October 18, 2011 on the topic of the Next Big Idea for an Asian Century. Three finalist was short listed. One finalist, who is an NUS student, described the Next Big Idea is to Redefine our World through words, values we place on what developed means to us. I agree with his insight, in that going into the next century is about redefining perspectives and attitudes individuals have towards the future.

Below is Chua Yuan Cheng's submission, copied from the conference website:

Redefine Our Wo(l)rd

Will it be an Asian Century? Or will it going to be a reflection of the Western world in the 20th century? Times have changed, but our language has not. Words like development, wealth, business, rich and developed continue to demonstrate our reliance on the Western world for ideas. What do those words actually mean?

I believe that it is time for us in Asia to write our own narrative of what our future would be, and not blindly copy the Western growth model of the 19th and 20th centuries. And it must start by redefining the words we use.

What does being developed means to us? Is it the ability to churn out goods like machines and pursuit them blindly? Or does it encompass more? Like the ability for all to access uncontaminated food, air and water; to be happy and carefree in our professional and family lives; to participate freely in society without fear or favour; to be able to enjoy nature and the biodiversity we are bestowed with.

What does being wealthy means? Is it the ability to own many luxury cars, houses and yachts that we may not even use? Or is it the contentment of one to share his love with and contribute to society; to build and sustain meaningful family and community ties; to be good steward of the environment and wildlife?

Ultimately, the end goal affects the process. How does Asia hope to be like in the 22nd century – the soul of our society; the efficiency of our cities; the ability for our descendents to enjoy an undisturbed nature environment, amid the hustle and bustle of city life – is all dependent on how we define our future, and by extension, the path we take. And it starts by redefining our words.

References:
http://www.economistconferences.asia/event/banyan-ideas-asian-century

Creating new models toward Environmental Sustainability

In this week’s lecture, Christopher Tobias ends his presentation with a quote that struck a strong cord with my outlook on change.

You never change anything by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the old model obsolete. -- Buckminster Fuller

In my design course, I learned that when designing products, we shouldn’t design to change peoples’ behaviours, but design to enhance their behaviours.  This is because people have their own set of mental models that they use to understand the world and when their model is disregarded, they would have troubles using the product and would be dissatisfied with the change. Rather, we can create a new model that demonstrates a better model of doing things. At the same time, they can still achieve the same goal.

Through my travels in Asia, I found many great models, at a micro-scale, of household products that I have not seen in North America. These models enhance the old ways products are designed,  they are more resource efficient and can allow the user to complete the same goal with greater satisfaction. 

Figure 1. Toilet

While staying at a hotel in Japan, I found a toilet that had a sink directly above the water tank. I thought this was a clever model of using water. Water can have multiple levels of usage, rather than a one-time use. The water from the tank can be used for washing hands and then reused to flush the toilet. On the left of figure 1 is a typical North American toilet that I have in my home and they use 3-5 gallons per flush and the water is only used to flush the toilet.

Figure 2. Hot Water Tank and Tankless Hot Water System

                When I was at my relative’s home in Hong Kong, I had to flip a switch to boil water before I can take a shower. However, at home, I take hot water for granted. It is always available whenever I adjust my facet for hot water. Though, I do not realize that the hot water tank in my home reheats the same water 24 hours a day even though I may not be using hot water at the moment. The model on the right is a tankless hot water heater that is used commonly in Asia and Europe.  This model demonstrates a more efficient way of using energy only when there is an immediate need. Therefore, energy resources are maximized.

                  

Figure 3. Wall Socket

                Currently in Singapore, every wall socket in my residence has a built-in switch. The switch on the outlet is used to prevent vampire power, which is the constant flow of electricity in a plug that is left in a wall socket even though it is not in use. This example provides us with a new model of looking at electricity and how it can be lost even in situations where we least expected. It provides us with the opportunity to create better models that eliminates the unnecessary lost of energy to better manage our energy resources.

References:

http://inhabitat.com/dual-flush-toilet-is-a-sink-and-greywater-system-in-one

http://www.ecosmarthome.ca/tankless-hot-water-systems.php

http://jeb1.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/product-pros-and-cons-tankless-water-heaters-vs-conventional-storage-tanks/

http://www.moreinspiration.com/article/942-electrical-outlet-with-a-switch

Factors in Sustainability

Tackling the issues of sustainability is definitely one that takes in account many factors. Our guest lecturer Christopher Tobias, from Singapore National Environment Agency, discussed a few relevant topics in global issues (resource depletion, biodiversity loss, security & conflict, and climate change) and trends (environmental change, power shift, and urbanism, etc.). With all these problems, there are many opportunities for us to make a change. However, in parallel to what was presented in lecture, we need to reflect on factors that are preventing change to create sustainable practices that would have more appeal and impact on the public. Not only should we take in account the issues and trends at the global scale, we need to delve deeper into human behaviors and attitudes that are preventing the adoption of sustainable practices. Economics is one major factor that drives the way human behaves. Another is our short-term perspective of the world, the “will it affect us in our lifetime” attitude. The law of economizing states that people tend to maximize gains for a given cost, and minimizing costs for a given gain.  Everyone around the world is aiming towards a higher standard of living and they are willing to weigh out other costs to achieve it. The east has been looking towards the west as the model of a higher standard of living throughout history, but is the west the best model of a higher standard of level? Could we produce the same results of greater life span, economic wealth, and such through integrating sustainable practices? We often undermine the principle of scarcity, that resources are limited. This is because we have an attitude that our actions would not create an immediate effect on us and we would not witness it in our lifespan. Therefore, I believe bringing about sustainability is about addressing global issues, as well as bringing awareness to individuals of their actions. Both global and micro scale factors need to be considered in implementing sustainable practices. 

The Purposes of State of Environmental Reporting (SOE) for Singapore and Australia

The difference in Singapore and Australia’s purpose for State of Environment Reporting is due to the perspective and expertise of the publisher. I have taken an objectified viewpoint and have analyzed the report in terms of the purpose, audience, what it reports, writing style, and the authors. (These categories can be seen in further details in the appendix)

Singapore’s SOE report places emphasis on achieving social-economic growth through investing in environmental sustainability. It is organized by the minister of environment and water resources leading to a more political viewpoint in the report. Though it was written in collaboration with the National Environmental Agency and PUB, the members are mainly composed of political and industrial leaders from both public and private sector. As a result, the report takes on a strong political agenda and economic interest by the industry leader. The report outlines environmental achievements and is conveyed through a narrative in the hopes of marketing Singapore to the international market.

Australia’s SOE report is more pragmatic and educational than Singapore’s SOE report. The committee director himself is from a researcher background.  Thus, the direction of the report is research-focused. As well the majority of the committee is composed of researchers, professors, statisticians, and ecologist. By having an external committee to produce the report, it reduces the amount of bias from political leaders. The report is filled with empirical facts and figures that place a stance on current conditions and trends in the Australian environment. This form of data is useful for decision- makers to support their policies.  The Australia report is more resourceful in providing information and evaluation methods to achieve environmental sustainability in contrast to Singapore’s report which is more like a marketing tool to attract foreign investor to support their socio-economic growth.

Though there are key difference in the reporting style of Singapore and Australia’s State of Environment reporting, they both aim to enhance the well-being of individuals living in these places whether through a political or environmental viewpoint. Sustainability is a prevalent issue that is currently being addressed by both the Singapore and Australian government, in sustaining and managing resources for future generations. Singapore’s method is through promoting socio-economic growth by luring international investors. Australia’s method is through educating their public and assisting their decision-makers to create policies that improve environmental outcomes. 

References:
app.mewr.gov.sg/web/Contents/Contents.aspx?ContId=1233

www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/report/index.html

Appendix.

Singapore SOE Report

Purpose: place emphasis on environmental sustainability to support social-economic growth

“Through years of careful environmental management, we have built a clean, green and healthy living environment that has garnered international recognition and is an important factor in attracting investors, tourists and talents to Singapore.”- Dr Yaacob Ibrahim

Audience: International market- investors, tourists, and talents/experts

Reporting: Achievements in environmental sustainability

Writing Style: Narrative

Authors: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, National Environment Agency (NEA), and PUB

Australia SOE Report

Purpose: educate the public and assist decision-makers with credible environmental data to improve Australian environmental outcome and manage cultural systems for the survival and well-being of Australians

“It is our hope that this report will increase community awareness and understanding of Australia’s environmental issues and assist decision-makers to determine priorities and make national and regional policy and management decisions that improve Australian environmental outcomes.”- Dr Tom Hatton

Audience: public/individual, decision/policy makers

Reporting: information products- empirical environmental data: facts, figures, graphs, illustrations, report-card style grading to assess conditions & trends

Writing Style: report & expository writing

Author: 2011 Australian State of the Environment Committee

The Learning Process

To start of this week, we were asked about the learning process. For me, learning is like Curious George, adopting his enthusiasm, curiosity, and inquisitiveness. He learns through being observant and testing out what he has seen in his own unique way. What we can learn from Curious George is that the learning process involves not only observing the world around us, but also being able to apply what we have learnt. This process then helps us transforms our observations into working knowledge. It helps us reach a higher state of learning, mentioned in class, where we are able to comprehend the world by reinterpreting knowledge. By applying our observations and knowledge, we are able to negotiate our own understanding of the world. 

Similarly, another student mentioned that learning is like being a child. It is being open, curious, and excited. Children also learn by observing and mimicking others. However, unlike Curious George, children have the ability to ask questions on just about everything. I believe asking questions is also fundamental in learning. Asking questions can help us receive different perspective and insights into an issue. Warren Berger, an acclaimed journalist focusing on design and advertising says, by asking questions we can “challenge assumptions about the way things have been done in the past,” and break out of old patterns and thinking behaviours. This mindset is one that I believe we would need to adopt in tackling issues of environmental sustainability. We need to be critical in the way we see the current world, in order understand what can be done to promote environmental sustainability.

            Going forth with this module, I hope to learn about current behaviours that are negatively impacting the world in order to change my own patterns to be a more environmentally conscious.