Avoidance of Responsibility

Environmental problems are a manifestation and a consequence of avoidance of responsibility. It’s a result of us not being responsible to our future generations and the rest of nature (which we are a part of).

We take too much resources from nature; we consume too much; we don’t care about how our actions affect biodiversity; we enjoy short-term gains and ignore long-term losses. All because we don’t think we are responsible. To our children. To nature.

Our green future is not a dream but a responsibility to nature and our children. Be responsible. Now.

I’m sorry, each and every one of us can say, we have no choice but to destroy the planet. It’s really not our fault.

Bullshit.

We may as well acknowledge that our entire culture—from top to bottom, inside out, personally and socially—is founded on, motivated by, and requires a systematic and absolute avoidance of responsibility. This is true both for our actions and our failures to act. What, ultimately, is environmental degradation? Any and all environmental degradation is a manifestation and a consequence of avoidance of responsibility. What is pollution? It is a manifestation and a consequence of avoidance of responsibility. What is overfishing? Deforestation? They are manifestations and consequences of avoidance of responsibility.

And what is our failure to stop each of these things? It’s just as much an avoidance of responsibility.

- Derrick Jensen in Endgame Vol 2: Resistance

Image credit: phre3a via stock.xchng

Green Drinks Singapore – Jan 2010

January 28, 2010
8:15 pm	to	9:30 pm

From Green Drinks Singapore:

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Venue: Naive, 99 East Coast Road

This month, we are gathering all the green groups, societies, businesses and individuals with green values to talk about their plans for 2010, and explore ways we can all work together.

In particular, we are targetting to have ECO (Singapore), SEC, Nature Society (Singapore), Vegetarian Society (Singapore), Social Innovation Park, Food for All, green societies from the various tertiary institutions, various businesses, and individuals already well known in the green sphere. As always, everyone is welcome!

Let us have a meaningful greater conversation about what we can do together! Do spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Foodwise, Naive has kindly put together a special three-course menu at the price of $18+ for those wishing to dine there.

How to get there: By bus- 10, 12, 14, 32, 40; By car- parking is available at Katong Mall and Katong Village

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(We are selling Al Gore’s new book, Our Choice, at Green Drinks to raise fund for the Haiti Earthquake relief operations. Have 40 copies of the book to sell at $50 each. 100% of profits will go to the Singapore Red Cross who will channel it to the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies.)

JGIS Announces Research/Conservation Grants in Primatology

This is a press release from the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore).

As part of its Primate Research Initiative, from 2010 the Singapore office of the Jane Goodall Institute will offer grants for projects related to the study and the conservation of primates in their natural habitat in Southeast Asia.

Singapore, January 8th 2010 – From 2010, on a yearly basis the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) will be offering grants of S$500-S$5000 to fund projects aimed at researching and conserving primates and their habitat in Southeast Asia. Applications for the 2010 grants are already open and the final application deadline is 15 February 2010.

The Primate Research Grant is part of the Primate Research Initiative launched in June 2009 by the founder of the organisation itself, Dr. Jane Goodall, during her last visit to Singapore. It aims to encourage the non-invasive study of primates in their natural habitat in Southeast Asia, with the hope that it may contribute findings as groundbreaking as Dr. Goodall’s own original work. Read more

Singapore Green Landscape 2010

Singapore Green Landscape 2010 gives an overview of the various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), green groups, business associations and groups, green websites, government agencies, and institutes and centres in Singapore, which are related to the environment.

We hope that the publication is useful for everyone who wishes to find and connect with the environmental organisations in Singapore, and explore personal and business opportunities.

The publication is free for download here. Feel free to share this.

Singapore Green Landscape

(Singapore Green Landscape 2010 is now available for download here)

The Singapore Green Landscape shows an overview of the various NGOs, groups, websites, government agencies, business associations, institutes and centers related to the environment in Singapore.

This is not a complete list and is subjected to further updates and corrections. To help us show a better picture of the green landscape in Singapore, do let us know if we missed anything or if there are any errors. Thanks!

Green Future Solutions Launches Bookchanging – Singapore’s First Website for Green Books

Green Future Solutions launched its latest website, Bookchanging, on 17 December 2009. This new website is the sixth in Green Future Solutions’ network of websites, which includes AsiaIsGreen, Green Business Times, Zero Waste Singapore, Low Carbon Singapore, and TEDxGreen.

Bookchanging is an online community for book readers to find, enjoy, share, discuss and buy green books. You can read environmental books to gain more knowledge, work towards a sustainable future and change the world.

Under the New Books category, you can find the latest books on the environment, including Al Gore’s Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis, and Colin Beavan’s No Impact Man: Saving the Planet One Family at a Time.

Under the Recommended Books category, you can check out our book recommendations, which includes Alex Steffen’s Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century, and Janine M. Benyus’s Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.

You can also choose to buy the book in Singapore from Bookchanging or buy the book overseas from Amazon. Visit http://www.bookchanging.com to check out our books.

Images

Download the Bookchanging logo:

Download the Bookchanging badges here.

Contacts

Eugene Tay

Founder of Bookchanging

Email: eugene@greenfuture.sg

Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook

About Green Future Solutions

Green Future Solutions is a Singapore-based business that promotes environmental awareness and action for a green future, through its network of green websites, events, presentations, publications and consultancy. For more information, visit http://www.greenfuture.sg.

Environmentalism in Singapore: Dead or Alive?

I don’t really bother about going green because most of my friends are not doing it. I will switch off the lights when I leave the room but only when I’m reminded to. – a 20-year old Secretary (Street View, The Sunday Times, 13 Dec 2009)

This is perhaps our most difficult writing because it could offend some friends and fellow environmentalists. We are not putting down the good work done by the various environmental NGOs and groups. We are not saying that environmentalists are doing the wrong things. We admit that we are not entirely familiar with all the work done by the local environmental NGOs and groups. We could be wrong or ignorant. But we simply wish to share what we think about environmentalism in Singapore.

What is Environmentalism?

Let’s first define environmentalism. The usual definition is:

Advocacy for or work toward protecting the natural environment from destruction or pollution – Dictionary.com

The typical environmentalist sees humans as the problem causing harm to the environment and the urgent need to save the earth. We think environmentalism is all about saving human civilization. The planet does not need us to save; it will do just fine without us. We are just trying to save ourselves so that we can continue to stay on this planet. And this can only be achieved with co-existence with nature, which we are a part of and dependent on.

Therefore, our definition of environmentalism is:

Playing an active role in voicing, creating and shaping how humans live and co-exist with nature

Environmentalism should be about defending and protecting what’s left, but more importantly it should also be about speaking up, creating and shaping the green future where we live our lives without or with less impact on nature. Environmental groups and environmentalists are the voice, creators and shapers of our green future.

Is Environmentalism in Singapore Dead or Alive?

What do we mean if we say that environmentalism is dead? We are not implying that environmental groups and environmentalists will actually die, cease to exist, give up or disband. We are implying that the current way of doing things by environmental groups and environmentalists, will result in a failure to voice, create and shape the green future we want to see. This failure will lead to the death of environmentalism.

If we fail to actively speak up, create and shape our green future, we have failed as environmental groups and as environmentalists. If the future happens to us instead of us creating our future, then environmentalism has not served its purpose and is considered dead.

This brings us to our question: Is environmentalism in Singapore dead or alive? We think it is alive but could be dead if we carry on business-as-usual. There are two factors that could cause the death of environmentalism in Singapore. Most of the local environmental NGOs and groups 1) adopt the issue-approach and 2) lack an open voice.

Environmentalism and the Issue-Approach

In Singapore, most environmental NGOs and groups are generally focused on a specific issue. It is easier and more effective for organisations to focus on a single environmental issue, and try to find solutions and change mindsets. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, local environmental NGOs and groups have achieved success with this issue-approach, improving awareness and action on nature conservation, marine and wildlife protection, river and beach clean-up, promoting vegetarianism, etc.

When it comes to protecting nature and its biodiversity, local environmental NGOs and groups have been vocal and active.

The Nature Society (Singapore) is at the forefront of nature conservation with several achievements:

From the NSS website:

• Successfully persuaded the Government to set aside Sungei Buloh as a mangrove and bird sanctuary. This site is now legally protected and known as Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve.
• Relocated coral reefs which were threatened by land reclamation.
• Staved off plans to develop part of Peirce Reservoir forest into a golf course.
• Published the Master Plan for the Conservation of Nature in Singapore, which has influenced Government policy and planning.
• Advocated the preservation of Chek Jawa, a unique marine habitat on Pulau Ubin.

Wildsingapore has brought our marine ecosystems and marine diversity to life, with description and photos of the various marine habitats and biodiversity, and coverage of environmental news.

Other NGOs and groups are actively involved in the conservation, protection and education of nature, wildlife, and marine habitats:

• Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
• Nature Trekker Singapore
• Toddycats! with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research
• The Green Volunteers
• Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore)
• Blue Water Volunteers
• Team Seagrass
• Naked Hermit Crabs
• Waterways Watch Society

Nevertheless, there are also other NGOs and groups that focus on diverse and multiple issues such as waste minimisation, energy, climate change, sustainable businesses, green consumerism, etc.

Singapore Environment Council (SEC) is a major player in the environmental scene and work closely with the government. SEC is involved in several environmental conservation and sustainable development programmes that are categorized into industrial, educational and community programmes.

Environmental Challenge Organisation (Singapore) is a growing not-for-profit social enterprise providing youths with a holistic approach towards environmental issues, and encouraging youths to take initiative and choose to live environmentally sustainable lifestyles.

Environmentalism and the Lack of an Open Voice

The style of environmentalism in Singapore is influenced by the government’s style of governance, which can be described by Maria Francesch-Huidobro’s book, Governance, Politics and the Environment, as one of disciplined governance. A disciplined governance approach is “a consultative yet strategically contained process that is not fully participatory”. She added:

In relation to the nature of the relationships between the government and environmental NGOs, the governance approach envisions partnerships. The nature of these relations, as deduced from the country and case studies, is better explained as a patronus-libertus relationship; that is, one between a patron and his freed slave, elicited by a “disciplined” approach to governing. Although interactions between state and environmental civil society have developed trust and cohesion, and these, in turn, are building social capital that increases the density of civil society, civil society is in itself far from an equal partner. Carefully engineered public consultation exercises and meetings behind closed doors are used by the government to diffuse opposition and to claim that decisions were made after “consulting”.

As such, environmental NGOs and groups tend to be cooperative and do not openly speak up against the government’s environmental policies. NGOs hardly issue public statements to the media and on their websites, about their opinions and feedback on government policies.

Of course, some NGOs do speak up, such as The Nature Society providing reports and feedback to the government (however, those are usually on single issues like nature conservation and marine habitat protection). And other NGOs also do provide feedback and suggestions to the government (however, this is usually behind closed doors and their views are not heard by the public).

Consequences and Examples

As we mentioned earlier, the issue-approach adopted by current environmental NGOs and groups has been successful so far. However, this approach is inadequate in light of complex environmental challenges like climate change and building a Sustainable Singapore. Complex challenges involve multiple issues that are interconnected and has to be viewed in a holistic approach and not tackled one issue separately at a time.

In addition, complex challenges give rise to diverse solutions and viewpoints. The public need a trusted voice to openly debate government policies, provide opinions so that the public is more informed, and give recommendations to create and shape a green future. If current environmental NGOs and groups do not speak up openly about their views, the public will just be over-reliant on the government and be apathetic.

Here are some examples of the issue-approach and the lack of an open voice:

1) Andy Ho, a Senior Writer from The Straits Times (most widely-read national newspaper in Singapore) recently wrote that Singapore should be slow to sign up to any emissions cap, and attempted to show that the scientific evidence on man-made global warming is not clear-cut, which he based on misleading claims and references.

The response from environmental NGOs and groups is almost non-existent with no public statement release to refute his claims. Why are there no response from them? It could be that the NGOs and groups with the single issue-approach do not usually respond to topics like climate change as it is not within the scope of their own issue. How about those NGOs and groups that focus on diverse issues, including climate change? They did not issue any open statements to refute the misleading claims.

2) Another example is the construction of a “clean coal” and biomass power plant by Tuas Power at Jurong Island (to be completed by 2012). The power plant is likely to generate more carbon emissions as compared to a natural gas-fired plant. Usually, a “clean coal” plant would refer to the use of carbon capture and sequestration technology, in this case, there are no such plans. So to call it a “clean coal” plant is to mislead and greenwash the public. And what is the response from environmental NGOs and groups? Zero. Nothing. Not even a whisper. There are no comments or public statement stating their views on the new plant and whether they think it is a good or bad idea.

3) Recently, the government announced that Singapore will reduce carbon emissions growth by 16% from 2020 business-as-usual levels. Is this sufficient? What are the implications? What are the views of environmental NGOs? Yet again, they are silent and give no opinions. So the public can only rely on government statements and official media channels.

4) The Sustainable Singapore Blueprint on “A Lively and Liveable Singapore: Strategies for Sustainable Growth” was announced in May this year and would guide our green actions till 2030. Is this blueprint adequate to meet our challenges? Does the blueprint really help Singapore achieve sustainability? Again, no public statements from NGOs on whether it’s good or bad. Some NGOs have provided reports to the government but are still based on single issues like nature conservation.

What’s Next?

To keep environmentalism in Singapore alive, we have to correct the two death factors of the issue-approach and the lack of an open voice. We understand that it is not realistic to expect local environmental NGOs and groups to focus on diverse issues or to always openly speak up and issue public statements, due to the lack of manpower, resources and time. To address this, we propose that the environmental NGOs and groups could set up a new alliance called ASS – Alliance for Sustainable Singapore (or other name).

ASS will be a non-profit and non-partisan alliance of environmental NGOs and green groups (could expand to include other sectors like social NGOs, communities, businesses, associations, religious groups, research institutes, scientists and citizens), working together to give a strong coordinated open green voice, address complex issues like climate change, and help to create and shape a Sustainable Singapore.

There are pros and cons of having such an alliance:

Cons

• Too many groups and voices resulting in bureaucracy, disputes, action paralysis, slow respond, and turf wars
• Could be seen as a potential “threat” to the government

Pros

• Provide open, coordinated and strong voice on environmental issues
• Share resources and learn from each other
• Greater outreach with “cross-pollination” of volunteers and channels
• Stronger position to engage with the government, businesses and foreign organisations
• Advocate policies and recommendations for a Sustainable Singapore

What do you think? Is environmentalism in Singapore dead or alive? Do you agree with our two potential death factors? Do you think we need an ASS? Or are we just talking crap? Or you don’t really bother about going green?

The challenge, … , is how to work in a cooperative style without losing one’s identity, how to oppose government proposals without being censored, and how to go on existing without becoming redundant or unable to survive due to saturation of human and financial resources. – quoted by Maria Francesch-Huidobro in Governance, Politics and the Environment

Join Hands for a Real Greener Deal

This article is contributed by Trina Tan.

The word “green” probably has many meanings in different nations with different culture and religions. Green could mean envy, money, nature, health and life. Green is also the official religious colour in Islam. Recently, there seem to be a unifying meaning for green. The word green is now seen to convey the message of saving the environment.

In Singapore, the word “green” would imply energy saving light bulbs, biodegradable products, solar powered houses, green buildings and of course, not forgetting the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle. But why is the word “green” not directly linked to protecting and conserving biodiversity? Is it because we humans are selfish?

We forget that we take actions to reduce our energy consumption not just to save our precious fossil fuels and reduce gas prices, or to reduce global warming and the resultant erratic weather patterns. We take actions ultimately to save the environment and its highly inter-linked and complex ecosystems and biodiversity.

Singaporeans has learnt about how to recycle, or take the public transport instead of driving but many are unequipped with the knowledge on the importance of ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. Once we understand these concepts, we will realize how our daily actions have such big impacts on the millions of species on Earth whom we share with.

Plants, animals and the natural world are fascinating, and we have spent centuries learning about them and from them. Many of our problems are solved by solutions from nature – using bacteria as medicine and discovering gravity from apples falling. While we try to change and adjust our bad human habits that lead to the destruction of Earth and the extinction of species, we ought to also put in more “greener” efforts to help the environment directly.

As a small nation with little natural resources, let us not forget that even the flora and fauna in Singapore are also defined as resources. These plants and animals are part of the ecosystem, which humans depend on. Singapore has already given up a large portion of its original tropical rainforest to build Singaporeans a better home, causing the extinction of many species that once used to live alongside with us. Now that you feel a tinge of guilt, you ought to do a part in protecting whatever nature spots we have left in the form of fragmented forestland, mangroves and swamps.

This remaining precious land is home to many species, some of which are unique only to Singapore. Going green is on one hand, like what we have been told, saving water, switching to fans instead of air conditioners, reducing the use of paper and plastic bags, and changing our light bulbs to energy saving ones, etc. On the other hand, it is also to do our part to protect and conserve the biodiversity that we have as a nation, because these plants and animals are born and bred here. They too, are “Singaporeans”.

There are many ways to care for our flora and fauna directly, like actively participating in mangrove and beach clean ups which are organized by environmental groups such as Toddycats, Nature Society, and the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore. Not littering in parks and rivers will also help. As the future lies in the hands of the children today, education and sparking interest among the young in areas of biology and biodiversity will shape Singapore towards a future of being a nature loving society.

Last but definitely not the least, one can also provide resources and support to the organizations that help to preserve and conserve our environment. Singapore is very lucky to have agencies like the National Environment Agency and the National Parks Board that do their part in protecting the environment and conserving nature in Singapore.

Even with the current nature enthusiasts, there are still many more “positions” that are open to help protect Singapore and the Earth. These positions have almost no criteria except to be passionate in preserving Nature’s creation. I hope you would send your resume in for this position soon.

Human Tidal Wave for Global Day of Climate Action

This announcement is from ECO Singapore.

Be part of a breathtaking image for the most important cause of our generation.

We’re expecting hundreds of people wearing nothing but blue to meet at SMU before converging on LASALLE Campus Green, once there, we will perform a short dance and then disperse. Help us to raise awareness and support for the prevention of Climate Change.

Simultaneously, people in every corner of the world will be taking similar action, from climbers with 350 banners high on the melting slopes of Mount Everest to government officials in the Maldive Islands holding an underwater cabinet meeting to demand action on climate change before their nation disappears.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 24, 1:30pm to 4:30pm

WHERE: Register at SMU, T-Junction (beneath Li Ka Shing Library)

WEAR: BLUE!

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162570697406&ref=mf

All of this is to show global support for ambitious, fair and binding action on climate change. World leaders will be meeting in Copenhagen soon to reach a new agreement on Climate Change. We need them to go further than they intend to go: to get carbon levels below 350 parts per million.

Wear everything blue you can find – shirts, pants, shoes, but ESPECIALLY your head as we’ll be taking Aerial photographs.

Register at SMU at 1pm. We will learn a short dance at SMU before we move to LASALLE College of the Arts to flood the campus green and perform the dance.

Please register at http://www.350.org/TidalWaveSG

Registration is limited to the first 350 who join, so be quick!

Want to be even more involved?

We’re looking for VOLUNTEERS to help martial the crowd

VOLUNTEERS EMAIL: volunteer@eco-singapore.org

We’re looking for ACTORS to take on special surprise roles within the crowd

ACTORS EMAIL: wave@skinnedkneeproductions.com

This is part of ongoing events throughout the day, including vegetarian food and drinks and a wacky walk.

Check them all out at http://350sg.com/

Or join the facebook event for the whole day:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150264939405&ref=ts

Empowering Leaders Across Cultures – The AIESEC Way

This article is contributed by Jovin Hurry.

Empowering Leaders Across Cultures – The AIESEC Way

It is not common to see some 600 youth leaders flying in from 107 countries to meet to discuss world issues, leadership and management. Yet, this is what AIESEC’s top leaders did at the Palace of Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from August 21 to 31, 2009 for the AIESEC International Congress (IC). This event is AIESEC’s largest annual leadership congress, the biggest and most important event for AIESEC globally. As if it was not big enough, nearly 700 additional members attended the Opening Plenary online on ‘IC Live’. The theme for the 61st AIESEC International Congress ‘Empowering Leaders Across Cultures’ aimed to connect youth leaders across different cultures, beliefs and values to make our world better.

AIESEC is a global, non-political, independent, not-for-profit organization run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education. It is present in 1700 universities across 107 countries and territories. Its international platform is meant to enable young people to explore and develop their leadership potential for them to have a positive impact in society. AIESEC is currently the world’s largest student-run organization. It partners with business and higher education and has been developing high-potential students into globally minded responsible leaders for the last six decades. Read more

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