Reader Response Draft 1
In “Why the Climate Change Fight Needs Engineers”, Shah
(2015) state the need of technological engineering skills would fix the future
sustainable problem face. She agrees with experts whom belief it is essential
for engineers to combat the rising global environment issues. The writer
further asserts by supporting Edwin Khew whom allege that through sustainable
engineering would be a way out in order to transition Singapore to be an
economic structure and sustainable town. She also advocates Choi Shing Kwok’s
comments on the importance of engineers in providing frequent innovation to aid
Singapore’s pursuit to be a green nation. Yet the writer argues with the remark
by Sanjay Kuttan that reaching the goal would be an impossibility with the lack
of function by the energy sector. However he also note that engineering would
be the prime usage in understanding different areas of technologies for a green
power system in Singapore. While Shah’s article has given the utmost spotlight
on engineering being an important aspect to counter future sustainable issues,
she has failed in taking account of other possibilities that would affect
Singapore in being a sustainable nation.
It is true that engineering would give a significant
influence in tackling environmental concerns. Throughout the history of the
profession, it has developed countless helpful advancements in human way of
life. These developments includes determining the solutions to urban living
practical challenges faced every day. We can view climate change as an alarming
issue in this 21st century
that would affect survival of humankind in a long term. As Cheam (2013) took
strong note on Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, “highlighted the role of
engineers and engineering in improving humanity’s quality of life”. Hence
during the World Engineers Submit 2013, a mass discussion was held to focus in
working together and finding solutions against climate change. This central
point of attention was given prominent emphasis throughout the event. Singapore
has taken the initiative to organize such a large scale affair to unify a whole
group of engineers together in solving a common problem. This shows how
engineering profession is stress vividly, especially in Asian countries like
Singapore, to encounter the distress on the altering climate. Hence Shah’s
statement on the need of engineers and its profession to fight climate change
is further enhance.
However, it is bias of Shah’s point of view by not
considering of any alternative to aid in being sustainable. The knowledge of
adaptation technology has been existent but are not widely implemented. This is
due to its expensive economic cost. Other than placing outmost concentration on
innovation by engineers, the willingness to also utilize this expertise is the
only setback in efficiently reaching the goal of being a green nation. These
awareness was brought up by Dr Bindu N. Lohani whom has four decades of
experience as an engineer – a professional in creating the answer against
change in climate challenges through science and technology solutions (Chua,
June 2015). In addition, Dr Lohani further propose his opinion of having
habitable metropolises with a joint work with “engineers, scientists and
decision-makers”. Only then with ‘green spirited’ cities that diligently
utilize smart technologies and innovate new ideas in adaptability would lessen
the adverse influence of climate change. Therefore there isn’t only a single
solution in countering the environmental issues. The best way is to gain as
much professional roles of different specialization to work together to tackle
a common problem. Ultimately this shows how one-sided the writer was in only
focusing on the importance of engineers.
Shah provided me an impression that she truly believes only
engineers have the vital role in taking up the challenge of altering climate
patterns. A more complete approach could be taken in terms of parties involve
in finding ways against climate change. Chua (July 2015) write that Teo Chee
Hean, states the crucial role to transform Singapore and improve its citizen’s
living are given by people who has engineering profession. Moreover, to be a
competent ‘green intelligent city’ banking on “science and technology, research
and development, as well as in policies and system integration” would be most
of Singapore’s concerns of climate challenges. Hence, this brings about a more
precise and informative way of reporting an issue. Not only does it not be
dependent on a single focus but also sees the solution in an all rounded
perspective.
In general, Shah did an exceptionally great effort in
directing the reader on the main focus of engineering. This is because it is
true that to combat the challenges of climate change, engineers are the most
sort after as they have the key capabilities and skills to think of solutions
about the issue. It is a let-down that she could have given other possibilities
the same amount of consideration, if not more, than just focuses on the
engineers and its profession. Nevertheless, this article has aid me to have a
wider perspective on a problem of environmental concerns and it was a pleasure
to read.
(828 words)
References:
Shah, V. (2015, June 8). Why the Climate Fight Needs
Engineers. The Eco-Business.
Retrieve from: http://www.eco-business.com/news/why-the-climate-fight-needs-engineers/
Cheam, J. (2013, September 11). Engineering in the
Spotlight at Singapore Summits. The
Eco-Business. Retrieve from: http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-spotlight-singapore-summits/
Chua, J. (2015, June 15). Cities: Asia’s Main Battleground
for Climate Change. The
Eco-business. Retrieve from: http://www.eco-business.com/news/cities-asias-main-battleground-for-climate-change/
Chua, J. (2015, July 28). Engineering Plays Crucial Role in
Climate Change. The
Eco-Business. Retrieve from: http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/