Reader Response Draft 2

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In “Why the Climate Change Fight Needs Engineers”, Shah (2015) stresses how engineering talent would mend the future sustainable problem. She introduces the Engineers Progression Pathway Programme initiated by Singapore to further bring out the capabilities of its engineer’s professional and technical skills. Such procedure helps elevate the engineering field standards, provide career development in long-term and coach leadership aptitude of senior engineers. The writer additionally states how experts has highlighted the key to solve sustainability challenges in Singapore and Asia Pacific through engineering expertise. Shah also discuss the realisation of government bodies to work towards being “low carbon economy” due to constant experience with extreme changing weather patterns. Hence, engineering has a forefront role in tackling climate change as many opportunities are given to engineers in transitioning cities to be a sustainable and economic system. While Shah’s article has given the upmost spotlight on the importance of engineering role, I strongly believe that she could expand more with other possibilities being as important aspects in countering future sustainable issues.

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 ways of life. It could further provide the solutions to every day urban living challenges. We can view climate change as an alarming issue affecting humankind in this 21^st century. As Cheam (2013) took strong note on Deputy Prime Minister Teo, “highlighted the role of engineers and engineering in improving humanity’s quality of life”. Hence during the World Engineers Submit 2013, a mass discussion initiated by Singapore was held to give prominent emphasis on working together and finding solutions against climate change. This shows how engineering profession is stress vividly, especially in Asian countries like Singapore, to encounter the distress on the altering climate. Thus, 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 other alternative to aid in being sustainable. The knowledge of adaptation technology has been existent but are not widely implemented due to its economic cost. Other than placing outmost attention on improvements by engineers, the willingness to utilize such expertise is the only setback in efficiently being a green nation. These awareness was brought up by Dr Lohani who 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, he 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 with different specialization to work together in tackling a common problem. Ultimately this shows how one-sided the writer was by focusing only on the importance of engineers.

A more complete approach could be taken in terms of parties involve in finding ways against climate change. Chua (July 2015) writes that Teo, 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 the most of Singapore’s concerns of climate challenges. Hence, this brings about a more precise and informative way of discussing an issue. Not only does it not be dependent on a single focus but also sees the solution in an all rounded perspectives.

In general, Shah did an exceptionally great effort in directing the readers 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 however 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 aided me to have a wider perspective on the environmental concerns and it was a pleasure to read.

(731 words)

References:

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/
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/