A young Singaporean’s perspective on the actions needed for our nation to not just survive but thrive.
2020 has been difficult.
The pandemic has crushed our economies. Fires are still burning. WWF’s Living Report 2020 shows an average 68% decline in wildlife populations since 1970.
One fact is evident: the world is clearly hurting and we are responsible for much of it.
Our broken relationship with nature has worsened the impacts of the changing climate. For example, the human-induced climate crisis has led to more extreme weather conditions like prolonged dry seasons that exacerbates occurrences like forest fires. As I am writing this, most cities in the American West are facing the worst fire season in decades.
I don’t know about you, but I am tired of trying to grasp these global developments and make sense of how my life is now altered as a result. I feel burned out. But I am not alone. According to The Straits Times, more and more Singaporeans are reporting similar symptoms of ‘pandemic fatigue’.
Good news is a rarity these days, but here’s one: for the first time ever, WWF’s Living Planet Report revealed a proof of concept that can stop and reverse this declining trend by 2030.
But to turn things around, it’s crucial that we commit to changes beyond the individual level. We need to take bold conservation actions and ask for ambitious action from businesses and governments.
Download the Living Planet Report 2020.
As a young Singaporean, I want to bring this discussion closer to home. Beyond beach clean-ups and saying no to straws, are we doing enough to protect the places in Singapore and abroad that we deeply care about? There are environmental issues that are intricately connected to our essential needs like clean air, energy, food and water.
For a start, here are opportunities we could take:
Shifting our national priorities to support green-collar jobs
We are more familiar with blue and white-collar jobs. But give me a green-collar job any day.
In an interview with the founder of green jobs portal Green Nudge, Mr Heng Li told The Straits Times that more young job hunters have the “desire to do something more meaningful with their career.”
Just like any other youths in Singapore, I am similarly concerned about the stability and longevity of a job that is not just limited to immediate short-term gains.
For that reason, many are seeking jobs in industries that we know are resilient enough to provide long-term career growth in the future. This is reflected by the growing demand for roles in sustainability-related fields.
These jobs ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of a country, enabling us to transition to a low carbon and climate-resilient economy.
In the global backdrop where businesses and governments are placing increasing importance on sustainability, the development of green collar jobs would enhance Singapore’s standing as a regional technological and climate hub.
At the same time, I believe we can take this chance to relook at the skills and industries we choose to emphasise on. Industries like the renewables sector would be a strategic option that will empower us to adapt well to the potential disruptions climate change would bring.
I was excited to hear about Singapore’s push for green financing and investments in the waste and recycling industry. These developments are heartening and the momentum must be continued.
Anchoring economic growth that is rooted in sustainability
To complement the focus on green jobs, there is also a need to relook at how we approach economic growth in Singapore.
With a finite amount of resources and excessive consumption habits, the current linear systems of producing, buying, and disposing is not feasible in the long run.
I believe that we can achieve economic growth while looking out for the needs of our people. We could start by anchoring our economic growth in values that are linked to sustainability goals. Or making sure that the vulnerable communities are adequately protected. Or even finding the balance between making the best use of our resources in tandem with growing our urban green spaces.
Download the Living Planet Report 2020.
Given the establishment of the Emerging Stronger Taskforce this year, it is apt then to start incorporating such values in our growth strategy and lay the groundwork for generations ahead.
Opportunity to not only survive but thrive
As a low-lying island state with small land mass and open borders, Singapore is more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
During this pandemic, we have seen an outpouring of support from the grassroots for the vulnerable communities including the low income families.
I saw people from all walks of life stepping out to help not just monetarily but also providing food, technological and mental health support.
This crisis will not be the last we face. But with community support and a strengthened partnership with businesses and the government, I am confident that we can make intelligent inferences and prepare accordingly.
Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat quoted the idiom “前人种树，后人乘凉”, which translates to planting the seeds now to secure a better future to come. This strikes home.
Similar to how our forefathers have laid the foundation for us to establish a robust society, we must take on the mantle and continue planning ahead so that we can actively respond during difficult times and protect our roots.
2020 marks a changing point for all of us, not just Singapore but globally. We have seen that it is possible for people, businesses and governments to come together and take action for the collective good. Only when we each play our part, can we collectively better safeguard our continued security, survive — and thrive.
Download the Living Planet Report 2020.
If you like reading this, see more about the OG of environmental education in Singapore, the truth behind returning wildlife as countries went into lockdown, and the low-down on Singapore’s amped up climate targets.
Main picture credit: Amit Hupta from Unsplash.
