Critical Reflection- Final

During my polytechnic days, even though I attended academic writing modules and had many essay writing assignments, there was not much emphasis placed on grammar and language. Hence, there are still many areas of improvement for my English writing.

Personally, I feel that this module is very useful as it helps to enhance our writing skills which are essential in our academic course. There are two tutorial sessions every week and this provided us with intensive training to improve our writing skills. During the first week of lesson, I recalled writing a short paragraph about my English language journey. I recalled making the mistake of writing ’26 alphabets’ instead of ’26 letters’. Now, I know that the alphabet consists of the 26 letters.  Apart from this, I feel that I have improved in terms of my grammar competency. For example, I had learned the difference between the words “will” and “would”. In the past, I used to think that there is no difference between the two words and have the tendency to use them interchangeably. However, after attending ES1102, I am able to use the words in the appropriate context. In addition, I have learned the importance of using linking words in the essay. The problem solving assignment is a great practice for us to apply the knowledge that we have learned in class. This includes research on relevant articles, planning, draft writing, and with the feedback from Professor and classmates, we can further improve on our essays.

This module has also encouraged me to be more aware of my writing as compared to previously. Moreover, the class activities, peer reviewing, various assignments (summary writing, reader response, and problem solving essay), and online grammar exercises had helped me to enhance my English learning journey. Through the mistakes that I have made in the various tasks, I am able to learn from them and try to prevent myself from making similar mistakes in the future. There are some areas which I feel that I can improve on, such as minimizing grammatical errors in my writing assignments and avoiding repeating words. Also, I have the tendency to spend a lot of time on reading an article, thus it is important for me to explore and practice the reading strategies introduced in this course.

In conclusion, the course had helped me to acquire skills and knowledge needed to research on articles and enabled me to have a better understanding of the essay writing process. I believe that with more practice, I will be able to remember and apply what has been taught and this will definitely assist me to perform better in future writing assignments.

Problem Solving Essay FINAL- Environmental Issues

There is no common agreement on how globalization can be defined, however, one can understand globalization as an ongoing process of global integration that includes economic integration through trade, investment and capital flows, political interaction, information technology and culture (Panayotou, 2000). Despite the significant positive impacts that globalization has had on the global economic growth, globalization has also resulted in major environmental problems which require individuals and the governments to collaborate in addressing the issues. One of the major environmental problems is air pollution which has increased markedly as globalization leads to the expansion of international investments and forests have to be cleared for industrial development and the increase in burning of fossil fuels in the industries. In addition, globalization leads to technological advancement of transportation and the widespread use of transports contribute to air pollution.

Air pollution is a major environmental risk to people’s health. There are negative impacts on the health of an individual which include eye, nose and throat irritation. In addition, it poses significant health risk to people with chronic heart or lung disease, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (Ministry of Health, 2013). Referring to Prather (2011) research on how air in China can affect the weather in America, reporting that “The atmosphere has no walls, so pollution on this side of the world can make it the other side of the world in about five days” (Blackstone, 2011). In Singapore, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit a new record high of 371 during June 2013 due to foreign fires in neighbouring Indonesia. The culprits of the forest fires on the Western Indonesian island of Sumatra were the palm oil and pulpwood companies. The haze reach hazardous levels and outdoor activities had to stop. Thus, these examples have demonstrated how the air pollution problem in a country can affect different parts of the world posing significant health risks to the individuals. Moreover, it has helped to recognize the importance of addressing the air pollution problem.

One existing solution that the Singapore government has adopted is implementing a comprehensive approach in working towards clean air. The Environmental Pollution Control Act (EPCA) was implemented in 1999 to control air pollution from industrial sources. The National Environment Agency (NEA) inspects regularly to assess and evaluate the pollution produce by all of the industries in Singapore. Moreover, in order to set up an industry in Singapore, industry has to comply with the pollution control requirement and locate at an appropriate industrial estate (NEA, 2013). With legislation such as EPCA in Singapore, it has effectively helped to reduce industries such as food processing, cement works and sawmills which are harmful to our environment (Koh, 2002) and Singapore’s air quality is healthy, with 96% of PSI in the accepted range during 2011 (NEA, 2013). Apart from the regular inspection of the stationary sources of pollution, the NEA should impose fines on factories which have emitted harmful gases to the environment. Representatives from NEA could reach out to the employees as well as the top management of the factories to raise awareness about the importance of reducing air pollution so that factories implement eco-friendly practices. In addition, incentives and awards could be provided yearly to industries that have performed actively in eco-friendly practices. Thus, the air pollution issue can only be ameliorated through cooperation among the governments, individuals and companies.

Apart from air emission from the industries, motor vehicles are another key source of air pollution in Singapore. Moreover, the NEA standardizes the quality and type of fuel that can be used in Singapore to control the emission of harmful gases created by vehicles. In addition, the NEA promotes the use of environmental friendly vehicles through rebates and tax incentives. In 2014, Singapore will adopt the Euro V standard for diesel vehicles and keeping tax low to encourage the earlier adoption of cleaner diesel technology (Tan, 2012). Controlling the emission of harmful gases through standardizing the quality and type of fuel that can be used is effective to a certain extent. However, according to the study conducted by the Land Transport Authority in 2012, there was an increase in the number of vehicles in Singapore (LTA, 2012) which contribute to the emission of gases which leads to air pollution. Thus, one proposed solution would be to encourage the use of public transportation. Environmental campaigns could be organized in the neighborhood to raise public awareness of environmental issues and educate individuals about benefits of taking public transport on the environment. Furthermore, the public transport must remain at an affordable price to attract Singaporeans to start or continue using it. For instance, instead of only having the student concession rate, the government can collaborate with the LTA to introduce adult concession cards. This can encourage the working adults to use public transport for commuting.

In conclusion, despite the existing solutions implemented by the state to address the issue of air pollution, cooperation and consistent effort from the governments, organizations as well as individuals is crucial in addressing the issue which is one of the negative impacts of globalization.

References

Blackstone, J. (2011). Pollution from China alters weather in U.S. West. Retrieve from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57341838/pollution-from-china-alters-weather-in-u.s-west/

Koh, K.L. (2002).  A Singapore Case Study: Cleaning Up Air Pollution in a Generation. Retrieved from http://law.nus.edu.sg/apcel/publications/pub/kohkhenglian/Singapore_Clean_Air.pdf

Land Transport Authority. (2012). Singapore Land Transport Statistic in Brief. Retrieved from http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltaweb/corp/PublicationsResearch/files/FactsandFigures/Stats_in_Brief_2012.pdf

Ministry of Health. (2013). Frequently asked question on Haze. Retrieved from http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/Current_Issues/2013/haze/frequently-asked-questions--faqs--on-haze-and-your-health.html

Panayotou, T. (2000). Globalization and environment. Retrieved from http://www.hks.harvard.edu/var/ezp_site/storage/fckeditor/file/pdfs/centers-programs/centers/cid/publications/faculty/wp/053.pdf

National Environment Agency. (2013). Air Quality and Target. Retrieved from http://app2.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution

Tan, C. (2012, February 18). Tax for greener diesel cars slashed. The Straits Times.

Problem Solving Essay Draft 2- Environmental Issues

There is no common agreement on how we can define globalization, however, one can understand globalization as an on-going process of global integration that includes economic integration through trade, investment and capital flows, political interaction, information technology and culture (Panayotou, 2000). Despite the significant positive impacts that globalization has had on the global economic growth, globalization has also resulted in major environmental problems which require individuals and the government to collaborate in addressing the issues. One of the major environmental problems is air pollution. Air pollution has increased markedly as globalization leads to the expansion of international investments whereby forests have to be cleared for industrial development and the increased in burning of fossil fuels in the industries. In addition, globalization leads to the improved technology in transportation, whereby there is widespread use of transports which contribute to air pollution.

Air pollution is a major environmental risk to our health. There are negative impacts on the health of an individual which include eye, nose and throat irritation. In addition, it poses health risk to people with chronic heart or lung disease, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (Ministry of Health, 2013). Referring to Kim Prather’s research on how air in China can affect the weather in America, she pointed out that “The atmosphere has no walls, so pollution on this side of the world can make it the other side of the world in about five days” (Blackstone, 2011). In Singapore, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit a new record high of 371 during June 2013 due to foreign fires in neighbouring Indonesia. The culprits of the forest fires in Western Indonesian island of Sumatra were directed at the palm oil and pulpwood companies. The haze reaches hazardous level and outdoor activities had to stop. Thus, these examples have demonstrated how air pollution problem in a country can affect different parts of the world, posing significant health risks to the individuals. Moreover, it has helped us to recognize the importance of addressing the air pollution problem.

One existing solution that the Singapore government has adopted is by implementing a comprehensive approach in working towards clean air. The Environmental Pollution Control Act (EPCA) was implemented in 1999 to control air pollution from industrial sources. The National Environment Agency (NEA) inspects regularly to assess and evaluate the pollution impact by the industries. Moreover, in order to set up an industry in Singapore, the proposed industry has to comply with the pollution control requirement and locate at an appropriate industrial estate (NEA, 2013). With legislations such as EPCA in Singapore, it has effectively helped to reduce industries such as food processing, cement works and sawmills which are harmful to our environment (Koh, 2002). Singapore’s air quality is good, with 96% of PSI in the good range during 2011 (NEA, 2013). Apart from the regular inspection of the stationary sources of pollution, NEA should impose fines on factories which have emitted harmful gases to the environment. Representatives from NEA could reach out to the employees as well as the top management of the factories in Singapore to raise awareness on the importance of reducing air pollution so that factories would implement eco-friendly practices. In addition, incentives and awards could be provided yearly to industries that have performed actively in eco-friendly practices. Thus, air pollution issue can only be ameliorated through cooperation among the government, individuals and companies.

Apart from air emission from the industries, motor vehicle is another key source of air pollution in Singapore. NEA standardizes the quality and type of fuel that can be used in Singapore to control the emission of harmful gases created by vehicles. In addition, NEA promotes the use of environment friendly vehicles through rebates and tax incentives. In 2014, Singapore will adopt the Euro V standard for diesel vehicles and the keeping the tax low for encouraging earlier adoption of cleaner diesel technology (Tan, 2012). Controlling the emission of harmful gases through standardizing the quality and type of fuel that can be used is effective to a certain extent. However, according to the study conducted by Land Transport Authority in 2012, there are increases in the number of vehicles in Singapore (LTA, 2012). The increases in the number of vehicles contribute to the exhaust of gases which leads to air pollution. Thus, one proposed solution would be to encourage the use of public transportation. It is important to educate individuals about the benefits of taking public transports on the environment. Environmental campaigns could be organised in the neighbourhood to raise public awareness of environmental issues. Furthermore, the public transport must be remained at an affordable price to attract Singaporeans to starting or continue using it. For instance, instead of only having student concession rate, the government can collaborate with LTA to introduce adult concession card. This can encourage the working adults to use public transport when they go for work.

In conclusion, despite the existing solutions implemented by the state to address the issue of air pollution, cooperation and consistent effort from the government, organization as well as the individuals is crucial in addressing the issue of air pollution which is one of the negative impacts of globalization.

References

Blackstone, J. (2011). Pollution from China alters weather in U.S. West. Retrieve from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57341838/pollution-from-china-alters-weather-in-u.s-west/

Koh, K.L. (2002).  A Singapore Case Study: Cleaning Up Air Pollution in a Generation. Retrieved from http://law.nus.edu.sg/apcel/publications/pub/kohkhenglian/Singapore_Clean_Air.pdf

Land Transport Authority. (2012). Singapore Land Transport Statistic in Brief. Retrieved from http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltaweb/corp/PublicationsResearch/files/FactsandFigures/Stats_in_Brief_2012.pdf

Ministry of Health. (2013). Frequently asked question on Haze. Retrieved from http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/Current_Issues/2013/haze/frequently-asked-questions--faqs--on-haze-and-your-health.html

Panayotou, T. (2000). Globalization and environment. Retrieved from http://www.hks.harvard.edu/var/ezp_site/storage/fckeditor/file/pdfs/centers-programs/centers/cid/publications/faculty/wp/053.pdf

National Environment Agency. (2013). Air Quality and Target. Retrieved from http://app2.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution

Tan, C. (2012, February 18). Tax for greener diesel cars slashed. The Straits Times.

Reader Response- The Double Edge of Globalization

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) reflects that despite the significant positive impact on the global economic growth, globalization has also resulted in major environmental problems. He critically analyzes the disadvantages of globalization and illustrated the impacts of globalization in the article by providing China as an example.

Chanda mentioned that “Accelerated burning of coal and use of chemicals to fuel the export machine pollute not only China’s air and water but the world’s environment as well”. The situation is well presented by Kim Prather of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s research. When she was presenting her research on how air in China can affect the weather in America, she pointed out that: “The atmosphere has no walls, so pollution on this side of the world can make it the other side of the world in about five days” (Blackstone, 2011). This shows how pollution in one country can lead to a world issue. In Singapore, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit a new record high of 371 on June 2013 due to foreign fires in neighboring Indonesia. The blames of the forest fires in Western Indonesian island of Sumatra were directed at the palm oil and pulpwood companies. The haze reaches hazardous level and outdoor activities have to stop, this depicts how an environmental problem in one nation can cause an impact in another nation.

Apart from the discussion on the impacts of globalization, Chanda pointed out the reluctance of nations to play a role in tackling the issues of globalization. In the article, he mentioned that “The world’s top emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States, has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and the nations that have signed it have been inconsistent with its implementation, making only perfunctory attempts to grapple with the challenge of global warming”. As actively involvement in tackling the issues of global warming requires the reduction of logging and burning of coals which would lead to decrease in economic activities, it is expected to observe the inconsistency in the reduction of greenhouse gases among nations.

However, protecting the environment requires the cooperation among the different nations. Chanda stated the importance of political power in overcoming the issues of globalization. He argued that: “Although no one is in charge of globalization, history shows that political power can channel or obstruct the multitude of currents that feed globalization, and lead to a change in course”. I agree to large extent that strong political support and cooperation between nations is essential to discontinue environmental degradation. One example of how different nations work together to promote protection of our environment will be the World Environment Day. It is celebrated on 5^th June annually to raise global awareness of the need to protect our environment and enhancement of political attention to it. It is hosted every year by different nations with different themes which enables nations to work together to tackle global challenges.

Chanda has effectively presented the concept of globalization and covered the various aspects through providing examples as illustration. In addition, the message that he conveyed is clear and practical as it allows the reader to have a better understanding of globalization and how the issues could be tackle.

Reference

Blackstone, J. (2011). Pollution from China alters weather in U.S. West. Retrieve from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57341838/pollution-from-china-alters-weather-in-u.s-west/

Final Summary- The Double Edge of Globalization

Globalization has both positive and negative impacts on our society. It creates a positive effect on our economy by increasing trade between nations. On the other hand, globalization has also had negative impacts on our environment. The negative impacts include global warming which is caused by the greenhouse gases emission and deforestation which contributes to global warming. The study conducted by the World Bank shows that organizations prefer to move to nations where environmental laws are weak not because of having to pay lower taxes, but mainly because of the size of the local market. 

Despite the negative impact on the environment, globalization has helped to increase awareness and encourages multinational corporations to work together in protecting the environment. However, the United State, the dominant nation in the emission of greenhouse gases has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Furthermore, the nations that have signed the Kyoto Protocol have been inconsistent in the reduction of greenhouse gases. On the other hand, the Montreal Protocol which focuses on protecting the ozone layer is an example of how an international treaty can lead to positive environmental changes. In conclusion, in order to minimize the impact of globalization, it requires cooperation among the leaders of the different nations to tackle such issues.

Reference:

Chanda, N. (2007). The Double Edge of Globalization. Retrieved from http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

Summary- The Double Edge of Globalization (Draft)

Globalization has both positive and negative impacts on our society. It brings in positive effect on our economy by increasing trade between nations. On the other hand, globalization has also had negative impacts on our environment. The negative impacts include global warming which is caused by the greenhouse gases emission and deforestation which contributes to the global warming. The study conducted by World Bank shows that organizations prefer to move to nations where environmental laws are weak not because of having to pay lower taxes, but mainly because of the size of its local market. Despite the negative impact on the environment, globalization has helped to increase the awareness and encourages multinational corporations to work together in protecting the environment. However, the United State, the dominant nation in emitting of greenhouse gases has rejected to sign the Kyoto Protocol. In conclusion, in order to minimize the impact of globalization, it requires cooperation among the leaders of the different nations to tackle such issues.