Research Topic

To what extent does our "seafood" really come from the sea?

Week 1 Reflection

1. After listening to the talk, are you able to explain in Singapore's context, what it means to achieve "sustainable development"?

In terms of Singapore’s context, Singapore in the 1960s has been mainly filled with primary forests. However, due to industrialisation, it has turned into a “concrete building” with exceptions like the Central Catchment Area , Sungei Buloh and Pulau Ubin.

Thus, in Singapore’s context, sustainable development would be to put more emphasis on protecting and expanding green areas instead of other uses like housing and economic developments.

2. If you were to select an issue of foremost concern to Singapore out of those which were raised during the talk on sustainable development, which would that be? Why is this such a major concern?

The disappearance of forests. Forests form the main natural habitat for animals and plants and affects the whole biodiversity. Thus, the impact of economic growth in Singapore and the expansion of residential areas has resulted in the rapid disappearance of forests. This is a major concern as the population keeps rising and the need for land keeps increasing. If the residential and financial areas keep expanding, Singapore will soon become a country with no greenery and forests, leaving no room for sustainable development.

3. Find out more about current College efforts to contribute towards sustainable development. Suggest one or two ways in which you as students can contribute towards this effort too. 

Ways in which students can contribute

·      Be aware of the natural environment and minimise pollution as much as possible (Eg. If you use lesser electricity, there will be lesser need for fuel, so lesser forest clearance occurs)

·      As the future generation, we can also advocate sustainable development.

·      Take part actively in the community’s efforts towards sustainable development.

Questions for Week 1 Reflections Task Force

From the Sustainabilityatnjc blog:

1. After listening to the talk, are you able to explain in Singapore's context, what it means to achieve "sustainable development"?

2. If you were to select an issue of foremost concern to Singapore out of those which were raised during the talk on sustainable development, which would that be? Why is this such a major concern?

3. Find out more about current College efforts to contribute towards sustainable development. Suggest one or two ways in which you as students can contribute towards this effort too.