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  Straits Times Forum 9 Jul 07
5 Cs we don't need to ensure global cooling
Letter from Chris Turner

Straits Times Forum 7 Jul 07
Help fight global warming: Let's car-pool more
Letter from Syed Al-Hafizh Shah

Straits Times Forum 7 Jul 07
Switch off lights when not needed
Letter from Yeo Siew Keng (Mdm)

ACCOLADES to Taiwan and Thailand which have exemplified themselves by their 'lights off campaign' to raise awareness about global warming.

By this, I do not mean it's necessary for the whole island to plonk into total darkness; we can contribute our effort beginning with individual households.

I used to switch on the lights in the entire house whether I need them or not.

When I read about the 'apocalyptic' warning about global warming, I started to switch off lights in those parts of the house where I don't need them.

I hope Singaporeans can emulate what our neighbouring countries have done by switching off lights they don't use.

The benefits (for homes) outweigh the disadvantages in terms of energy saving, Earth saving, a cooler home environment and, most of all, more money saved.

Straits Times Forum 7 Jul 07
Help fight global warming: Let's car-pool more
Letter from Syed Al-Hafizh Shah

THE global warming issue is everybody's responsibility.

Although Singapore is a small country, we still have to play our part. It is common knowledge that emissions from cars are one of the major factors of global warming.

If COE can be contained, so too can global warming.

I noticed that only about one in 40 cars have more than one person in it. It seems that we are neglecting our part for the environment.

If all motorists drive without passengers, there will be massive jams and an immense amount of emission of carbon monoxide, heat and burnt fuel.

Isn't it better to go public or even share a ride or car-pool? I understand it is difficult, but we all have to try and help Mother Nature.

Another troubling issue is the wasteful use of lighting on the streets. At night, when traffic is less, we do not need so much street lighting. Every 60 metres or so, there are street lights. Lights get their energy from electricity via fuel. Heat is generated when fuel is burnt to produce energy. This also impacts on global warming.

Is it necessary to have so many street lights switched on when cars are already well-equipped with bright lamps?

An exception can be made for critical, accident-prone areas. We could also use solar energy for those lights or reflective strips.

We could also use sensors to detect vehicles approaching.

Let us try to help the Earth that we live in.

Straits Times Forum 9 Jul 07
5 Cs we don't need to ensure global cooling
Letter from Chris Turner

IN RESPONSE to the commentary, 'You feeling warm? It must be my big carbon footprint' (ST, June 30), may I propose an essential Singapore guide to the 5 Cs we need to do without to ensure global cooling?

Consuming unnecessarily. Ask yourself, do I really need it? For example, guys, avoid the temptation to upgrade your PC so frequently. Girls, how many pairs of shoes can you wear? Babies, demand that your mum and dad use recyclable cotton nappies or diapers. Carnivorism.

Become vegetarian or vegan. According to the United Nations, choice of diet is more important than choice of car in terms of reducing one's personal carbon footprint (UN 2006 report of the impact of rearing animals for meat).

Car. Take public transport, and make any new car bought a hybrid or better.

Cooling (air-conditioning) Dress down so you can set your air-conditioning to 25 deg C.

Cooking. Globally, billions of people cook up to three meals a day: That's a lot of carbon dioxide. Eat more raw food. It is healthier according to government authorities who encourage us to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.

What will be our legacy? What are we prepared to sacrifice to ensure our children have a future replete with the beauty of nature?
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