Reader Response Draft 2 (Edit)
In “Why the Climate Change Fight Needs Engineers”, Shah
(2015) stresses the importance of engineering talents required to mend the
future sustainable problem. The writer states how experts has highlighted the
key to solve sustainability challenges in Singapore and Asia Pacific through
engineering expertise. She also discuss the realisation of government bodies in
working towards being “low carbon economy” due to constant experiences with extreme
changing weather patterns. Shah additionally introduces the Engineers
Progression Pathway Programme initiated by Singapore to further bring out the capabilities
of its engineer’s professional and technical skills. As such procedure helps
elevate the engineering field standards, provide career development in
long-term and coach leadership aptitude of senior engineers. Hence, engineering
has been given the 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 even though I uphold the same stance as her.
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 21st 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”. Hereafter
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. Thus 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. Therefore, 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.
(746 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/