week 7

The lesson this week kicked start with the proverb of extracting the goose with the golden eggs. To ensure a sustainable future, one shouldn’t kill off the “goose” simply to derive short term needs. What we should be doing instead is to continue to feed it so that it can provide sustenance in the long run. This proverb is very apt in the world today given the fact that we have limited resources. This brings to mind the question: Are humans a pestilence/parasite to the earth? Are we doing enough to ensure that it’ll be usable for future generations? To some, we seem to be destroying the earth like a parasite and measures need to be in place.

http://www.aniboom.com/animation-video/1224/Humans!

This apocalyptic scenario might seem far-fetched but this dystopian nightmare is a preview of a possible future if we do not take action soon. Thus the question: ‘Are we enlightened enough to make a change before the negative impacts slam right at our faces?’ holds very true to our heart. This leads to the issue of waste management, which is an issue I feel is very important especially in a developed and fast-paced society such as Singapore.

In the topic of environmental bioremediation, the Love Canal is an example of our poor waste management. In the Niagara Falls, New York, located in the white collar LaSelle section of the city, the profuse dumping of toxic waste and refuse in the love canal led to a public health emergency and widespread contamination when a building was established on that very same spot. The accused, Hooker Chemical, was found to be negligent in their disposal of waste and they were prosecuted. On hindsight, this is a lesson to learn- national symbol of a failure to exercise a sense of concern for future generations. We simply cannot to rest on our laurels and allow history to repeat itself, less we want something of similar or larger magnitude to hit us in the face again. Especially given the context in Singapore where we have no natural resources other than labour, we cannot afford to be hit with such a huge blow. Why? The reason is that there will be heavy ramifications: plummeting of the economy and losing of trust in the government.

In the area of sustainable biotechnology and the environment, biocrops could be a healthier alternative. Not only does it leave a lighter environmental footprint in an economic way by using biotechnology, it also allows for a higher yield, the farmer’s resistance to crop diseases which can wipe out the entire harvest and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. With a better crop, it’ll feed more mouths too, thus combating the issue of famine. The global energy use through renewable resources like biofuels can produce ethanol which can continually provide for tomorrow’s needs. In fact, the use of ethanol is a good substitute and data supports it. Ethanol reduces 2.1m^3 of car emissions, which contributes to 85% or more of carbon emissions. Furthermore, 1billion of barren land is not utilised when we grow bioenergy crops allowing for its use to build infrastructures meant for other purposes. Overall, I feel that most, if not all the countries, should adopt this. This is further emphasized by the push factors: provides large socio-economic benefits; reduces environmental footprint and makes us better environment stewards. I say that if the pros outnumber the cons, go for it.

The presentation by Jessie on bioplastics was interesting. Green, sugar based plastics used by walmart etc biopolymer (PLA- polyactic acid or biopolymer) can be used instead of the conventional polyethene. This idea should be implemented with immediate effect as they are environmentally friendly ie because they are biodegradable, they do not emit harmful gases when they are incinerated.

On the issue of food security, GM foods was mentioned by a fellow classmate, Gao Miao, who walked us through the pros and cons. What struck out was the question: if given a choice, will you choose GM foods over traditional foods? Being a practical person, if GM foods contain a higher nutrition value, I don’t see why they should be condoned or avoided.

Branching from this is the issue of the Super Cow. A breed of cows that produce milk that are superior in terms of nutrition value; produce more milk per day; produces more fat per gallon of milk. However we have to bear in mind that the ends should justify the means. Looking at how the supercows are, they are so unnaturally enormous in stature, their knees are not suited to shoulder the weight. This may lead to joint problems. And also given its sheer size, it is not even fit for running. What will animal welfares think of this? Such methods are inhumane as the welfare of the animal is not considered.

Overall, this is an interesting lesson and it engaged my funny bones, especially when prof quipped about tenderizing meat when the issue of animal abuse and beating was brought up. I would therefore rate it a 9/10 as most aspects that I had set up to achieve have been addressed. There were quite a number of videos used throughout the course and it stimulated my interest a lot. I look forward to the next lesson!