Reflections Week 1

Content of talks: -saving the various rare species of plants and animals Singapore -helping to conserve the current wildlife in Singapore -facts about how the number of local species of both plants and animals in Singapore is decreasing greatly to dangerously low levels -'Bambi effect' is the use of visual appeal to get people's attention and support. Reflections: After watching the various presentations on the effects that industrialisation has had on Singapore, we feel  much more informed and aware of this problem of disappearing biodiversity in Singapore. It saddens us to watch as many special and uncommon species of plants and animals which used to call Singapore home are vanishing because of us humans' actions.  We found watching people try their best to help the situation by replanting nature reserves and saving horseshoe crabs extremely touching and encouraging, as it showed that at least there are some people who are aware of the problem of vanishing biodiversity and are moved enough to care about our environment. Also, we felt the use of of the 'Bambi Effect' is an ingenious and effective way of convey the intended message and gaining the support of more people, because usually visual appeal and things that look nicer are able to more effectively capture the attention of the public. However, we do feel that much more help and co-operation is required before a real significant change can occur. Everyone is able to and should take at least a bit of effort to look into this significant problem in Singapore and help to save the disappearing biodiversity. Each person should be able to play a part to help out, by volunteering at nature societies and environmental awareness organisations. Also, us students may further help out by increasing awareness among relatives and peers, even through our small actions like recycling. Conservation messages may be spread subtly through such supposedly insignificant actions as it sets an example for others to follow in order to get support for the conservation of biodiversity. Lastly, although the current efforts are a good start to conserving biodiversity in Singapore and their presentation has capture our attention, we feel that this may be done more effectively if the presentation included more interaction between the speakers and the audience during the presentation. More activities and hands-on experiences would definitely engage the students and gain their support more easily. Water security: a basic outline - mention the existing and previous water agreements with Malaysia, ended and ending in 2011 and 2061 respectively. - hence Singapore must learn to quickly become self-sufficient when it comes to obtaining and sustaining sufficient water for the future. -there is a need for ideas like recycling every possible drop of water we have in order to ensure water security in Singapore. -requirements to recycle: power (i.e. an energy source)