Here’s some of the survey results and our thoughts:

Gap Between Awareness and Action

These survey results show that most Singaporeans are concerned about climate change and its effect on Singapore, and feel that they play a part in taking action. The results are not surprising, as it is similar to responses from previous NEA and Gallup surveys, which show similar positive responses from Singaporeans on environmental and climate change issues.

We think that Singaporeans know about climate change as we are being exposed to local and international environmental news through the printed and online media, but we tend to stop at awareness and not translate that into action. The survey results show a concern about climate change and a desire to take action, but does not describe actual actions. We feel that there is still a big gap to be bridged between awareness and action in Singapore.

Although survey participants indicated their current practices to address climate change, we feel that the numbers are too positive and higher than the real situation. For example:

• 90.3% of survey participants indicated that they turn off electrical appliances at the main. In a 2010 LOHAS Study of the Singapore market, only 71% out of 1,000 participants say they unplug or tun off electronics.
• 80.3% of participants said they practise the 3Rs. In 2010, Singapore’s recycling rate is only 58% and the household participation rate in the National Recycling Programme is 63% in 2008.
• 76.8% say they use public transport when possible. A transport survey of 10,500 households in Singapore show that 59% of respondents used public transport.
• 72.3% choose appliances which carry an Energy Label. Since 2008, it is mandatory for all air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers to have the Energy Label, so Singaporeans are already choosing Energy Label appliances by default.

Like all our New Year resolutions and plans to lose weight and exercise more, we are always concerned, feel we need to take action, and feel we will be affected if we don’t take action. But in reality, we are swept by the waves of our busy daily lives and go on business-as-usual. We know and we care, but we don’t act, until it hurts.

The government has to find ways of helping Singaporeans translate their awareness, knowledge, concerns and desires into real actions.

Both Individual and Systemic Actions

The survey results show that 56.3% of Singaporeans think that individuals are mainly responsible for taking action on climate change, followed by government (26.3%) and businesses (10.6%). While it is important for the individual to take action on climate change, it is even more important to focus on systemic actions. We must understand that the main contributors of carbon dioxide emissions in Singapore are from the industry and building sectors – 70% in 2005.

We need systemic actions such as building sustainable urban infrastructure and green buildings; increasing the resilience of our energy, water and food security; redesigning and developing new ways of making and reusing products and materials; and conserving our biodiversity. These large systemic actions can only be achieved through the efforts of the government and businesses, but it can happen faster with individuals pushing for these actions to be discussed and implemented.

Everyone can play a part to tackle climate change in Singapore, through our own individual actions and through encouraging the government and businesses to take action in creating systemic changes.

Images: NCCS

1) Prepare a proposal reframing Bukit Brown away from a cemetery

The government already has development plans for Bukit Brown, including the current road construction and future housing development. To potentially reverse the decision already made, the alternative option must be of equal or higher value than existing plans (not necessary in monetary terms). In Singapore’s context, positioning or framing Bukit Brown as a cemetery is not persuasive enough.

One possible idea is to reframe Bukit Brown as Singapore’s first outdoor museum (inspired by Skansen, the popular open-air museum in Sweden – http://www.skansen.se/en). A proposal could be prepared to explain the value of turning Bukit Brown into an outdoor museum, which would provide insights on Singapore’s past heritage and natural history in an open-air natural setting. Visitors can explore the tombs of Singapore’s prominent pioneers, which would be combined with stories, customs, crafts, physical buildings, structures and objects that are relevant to understanding our past pre-1965. Biological diversity, especially live native plants and animals, or preserved species found in the past, could be highlighted in the outdoor museum. The outdoor museum would be an unique place for Singaporeans and visitors to understand more about pre-1965 Singapore.

The above idea is only one potential idea and it is up to the campaign participants to come up with the ideas for preserving Bukit Brown in the proposal. Whatever the final ideas proposed, a written formal document highlighting the reasons for preserving Bukit Brown, combined with facts and figures, is necessary for engaging the government and as a tool for further discussion and negotiation. The proposal would be sent to the Prime Minister, all Ministers and MPs, and the relevant government agencies.

2) Consolidate efforts by various groups into a single platform and issue a call-to-action

A campaign website is needed and should be used as the “home base” linking to Facebook and other social media tools such as Twitter, Flickr and YouTube, and vice versa. The campaign objective is to 1) explain about the proposal and why preserve Bukit Brown, 2) unite all supporters and actively engage them, 3) show the government that there is strong support for the proposal, and 4) to archive all stories, photos, videos on Bukit Brown.

There are several existing Facebook Groups and Pages on Bukit Brown, which are doing great work. However, it would be good to consolidate efforts by the various people and have just a single platform to explain the proposal, provide the latest info and events, and engage all stakeholders. This helps to avoid confusion for supporters and to avoid diluting the numbers or duplicating efforts. It is important to note that for campaigning purposes, always use a FB Page and not a Group. The FB Page is better for engaging supporters and for analyzing statistics on usage. If resources are available, manage FB and Twitter accounts separately. If not, just link Twitter to FB, and let FB update the Twitter account automatically.

It is important to decide on the call-to-action for supporters. It should be easy and simple for supporters to show their support for the proposal. The call-to-action could be ‘liking’ the page and signing a petition, which should be posted prominently on the website. The numbers would be presented to the relevant government officials on a regular or monthly basis to show them that there is public support for the proposal. It is also necessary to encourage supporters to write in to their MPs and the media on the proposal. A written letter to the relevant Minister or MP would be best. It would help if a letter template and the MP email contacts are made easily available on the website.

3) Engage and communicate with stakeholders both online and offline

All stakeholders whether government, businesses, organisations and the public should be engaged actively online and offline. There should be one email for enquiries. Always link online and offline together, one can’t do without the other.

All offline events should mention the call-to-action and about spreading the word. A special walk involving ‘connectors’ who are people who know lots of people or have a significant online influence, should be organised to let them appreciate the value of Bukit Brown, and hopefully they would help spread the word further. Regular public walks must be organised to keep the momentum and interest going. Event info should be clear and directions or meeting points given. Maps of Bukit Brown should be prominent and easily accessible on the website.

Online engagement through FB should be on a daily basis, involving 80% content relevant to the campaign, and 20% fun and interesting content not necessary relevant to Bukit Brown. Make use of photos, videos, questions and polls to engage FB supporters. It is necessary to just trial and error, and see what works, and change accordingly and be flexible. Reply to every FB comment where possible, remove spam posts immediately, and tag government FB pages when necessary. Always post long articles on the website and place link on FB. Don’t write essays on the FB status updates, it’s only for short sentences. If you have a lot to write, use Notes.

GAIA is Singapore’s first sustainable living mook (magazine book), published by Green Future Solutions. This free publication is for consumers interested in news, ideas, tips and products that benefit people and planet.

The first Sep issue of GAIA covers:

• NEWS
• FEATURE: Die Die Must Share – The Idea of Collaborative Consumption
• INTERVIEW: Carpooling 2.0 – Interview with MyRideBuddy
• HOME: Give It Away – 10 Ways to Clear Your Stuff
• HEALTH: Choosing a Healthy Dinner – 2 Tasty Vegetarian Recipes
• STYLE: Playful Elegance – Organic Clothing Mix and Match
• LEISURE: Simply Ling Kai – Supporting Local Music
• BOOKS
• DEALS

Download your free copy of GAIA now!

We would like to thank all of you for supporting The Green Corridor through the Facebook page since Nov last year. It’s now 3 months to the closure and return of the railway lands on 1 Jul. Time is running out as we wait for the government’s reply on the proposal.

Today, we are stepping up our efforts and launching a new campaign website for The Green Corridor at http://www.thegreencorridor.org/. The website serves to:

1. Gather support for The Green Corridor and unite supporters (broadening the support base to include non-Facebook users, businesses and organisations)

2. Show the government that there is public interest and support for The Green Corridor (sending monthly updates to key government agencies on number of supporters and news)

3. Archive stories, photos and videos on the railway and The Green Corridor (allowing the community of supporters to share their experiences and vision)

You can help us to gather more support for The Green Corridor. We hope to reach 10,000 supporters by 1 Jul. Visit the website now at http://www.thegreencorridor.org/ and find out the various ways to show your support, spread the message, and share your stories.

Thanks.

Cheers
Eugene

The Green Corridor is not a dream but a responsibility to nature, our heritage and our children.

With the theme “A Beautiful Connection” it aims to reconnect people to the land while inspiring them with art, music and cultural mediums orchestrated by artists.

This event is free of admission to the public. It will be a full-day event at Bottle Tree Park, in Yishun, with creative workshops, art performances and a market place consisting of merchandise (organic, natural and eco-friendly) and plant-based food stalls.

These activities are designed to put across the message of environmental sustainability and the importance of sustainable practices. From engaging human senses in appreciation of Nature to participating to hands-on activities, everyone will get to play a part, no one will be a bystander!

Title of Event: Party for Earth
Date: 22nd April 2011 (Good Friday)
Time: 09:30 – 18:00
Venue: Bottle Tree Park, Yishun, at 81 Lorong Chencharu Singapore 769198 (10min walk from Khatib MRT station)
Cost: Free Admission
Website: http://earthdaysg.blogspot.com/
Contact: earthdaysg@gmail.com or Kian Seng 91120517

Event Objectives:

• To promote sustainable practice & educate on environmental sustainability and universal connectedness
• To sow the seeds of love, respect, ownership and responsibility in children and adults towards our unique planet
• To have fun, party and create inspiring experiences as we celebrate your efforts in making a difference for the planet

The day will kick off with ‘yoga circle’, ‘Walk for Earth’ and ‘Eco-heroes’ followed by artist-led community installation, a series of workshops such as puppets, drums, handicraft-making out of scraps, ‘Upcyling jewellery making’ and many more nature-orientated creative activities. The day’s program also includes theatrical and music performances by local artist, to name a few, Moody Theatre, Juz-B Accapella, Amanda Ling with Thunder Rock School, etc.

About Ground-Up Initiative (GUI)

GUI is a community-based and volunteer-driven non-profit organisation that brings together people who value reconnecting with and nurturing the land. Since April 2009, we have progressively built a Sustainable Living Kampung (SL Kampung), based at Bottle Tree Park, Yishun, where we promote environmental awareness and responsible practices by encouraging more people to come together to work, learn, play and in the process, care for humanity and the earth. SL Kampung is open to the public. Visit us at http://groundupinitiative.org/

The second episode features:

• The spectacular living wall on the Musée du Quai Branly
• French eco-artist Mathilde Roussel-Giraudy
• Paris’s FedEx bike powered fleet

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Warriors of Qiugang is a 39-minute short video co-produced by Yale Environment 360 with filmmakers Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon. The video tells the story of how the villagers in the Qiugang village, Anhui province in China, worked with an environmental NGO, Green Anhui, and fought together to protect their environment and health against chemical pollution from the nearby Jiucailuo Chemical plant.

The unlikely hero in the video is farmer, Zhang Gongli, who leads the villagers’ fight to shut down the chemical plant by using China’s federal environmental laws to put pressure on the factory owners and the local government. He is a reluctant hero:

I feel scared, I really don’t want to be a hero. But the next generation will suffer. We risk our lives for their happiness.

Watch this moving and powerful short video. China is still struggling to balance environmental protection and economic development. But China’s future looks green with the help of concerned citizens and committed NGOs.

Source and image credit: Yale Environment 360

Sustainable artisanal jeweller Choo Yilin, ecological apparel label Jujube, and ethical and sustainable footwear retailer Terra Plana Singapore agree that this is a timely issue, and have put together two consumer workshops featuring talks and a panel discussion between designers Choo Yilin, Jujube Li, and Green Drinks Singapore Founder Olivia Choong. Titled Sustainable Luxury Design Workshops, these sessions mainly examine what makes a product sustainable and ethical, the importance of sustainable design in fashion, and offers tips on shopping sustainably.

Love Letters To Earth is a new 6-part TV series featured on OKTO, and tells the stories of how environmentalists and nature lovers helped to protect and conserve the remaining nature reserves and wildlife in Singapore. Love Letters To Earth is shown on OKTO every Sunday at 9:30pm, with repeat telecast on Wednesday at 11:30pm.

The first episode shown last Sunday featured how four bird lovers managed to conserve Sungei Buloh. The four heroes from the then Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch) included:

• Richard Hale who discovered the site in 1986 (former CEO of HSBC in Singapore)
• Dr Ho Hua Chew (Chairman of the Nature Society Singapore Conservation Committee)
• Subaraj Rajathurai (wildlife expert and guide)
• Dr Rexon Ngim (plastic surgeon)

They found Sungei Buloh to be a place where many migratory birds visited and decided that the place is worth conserving. So they wrote a proposal to the government titled ‘A Proposal for a Nature Conservation Area at Sungei Buloh’, and sent it to all the ministers, including the late President Wee Kim Wee.

President Wee made a personal visit to Sungei Buloh to take a look for himself and perhaps helped to convince the government to designate Sungei Buloh as a nature park in 1989. In 2001, Sungei Buloh was gazetted as a nature reserve and renamed as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Remember to catch Love Letters To Earth for more stories of these amazing and dedicated  nature lovers and environmentalists who contributed to nature conservation in Singapore. The second episode this Sunday is about Pulau Semakau.

Source credit for Love Letters To Earth image: OKTO (image from their Facebook page)

綠色生活資訊網 (GreenLiving Information Platform)

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) in Taiwan (行政院環境保護署) has been actively promoting green consumption through its 綠色生活資訊網 or GreenLiving Information Platform. The website focuses on green living and consumption by providing information and resources for consumers, businesses, government agencies and retailers to choose and buy green products, which are certified under the EPA’s Green Mark scheme (環保標章制度). More than 700 retailers and 3,000 products have been awarded the Green Mark label.

認標章, 安心購, 綠色消費愛地球 (Recognise the label, Buy with peace of mind, Consume green and love Earth)

The EPA recently launched a promotional video to increase awareness on the Green Mark label. The video (watch below) is titled ‘認標章, 安心購, 綠色消費愛地球’, which means ‘Recognise the label, Buy with peace of mind, Consume green and love Earth’.

Click here to view the embedded video.

環保產品線上採購網 (www.buygreentw.net)

To further increase public awareness on green products and to make it easier for consumers to buy green products, the EPA set up an e-commerce site called 環保產品線上採購網 or www.buygreentw.net. Retailers can sell their green products certified with the Green Mark label on the site, while consumers can choose from a wide range of different Green Mark products and buy them online. Government agencies and businesses can also use the site to purchase green products to meet their green purchasing policies.

環保正妹大使 (Green Babe Ambassador)

The site also uses social media to promote awareness on green products such as through their Facebook page and a section called 環保正妹大使 or Green Babe Ambassador, where female bloggers post their favourite green products and their environmental activities. This is a good way to attract more young people (especially males) to the site and generate interest.

Learning from Taiwan

Other countries in Asia can learn from Taiwan in promoting green products successfully, through the use of web resources, promotional videos, e-commerce sites, Facebook pages and engaging bloggers. Perhaps Singapore could consider learning from Taiwan’s experience and do more promotion for the Singapore Green Label.

Images credit: Screenshots of 綠色生活資訊網 or GreenLiving Information Platform and 環保產品線上採購網 or www.buygreentw.net