Speak Up! Issue 4

Hello guys! This is the response to the previous issue:
Do you think ordinary citizens should review scientists' work on environment first before the findings are implemented onto the environment? Why?
This response is from Ma'at and we thank him to share his opinion here with all readers.

Citizens should review scientists work. It may be a waste of resources, but this ensures that we will adopt the right solutions. For example, recently, there broke out skepticism that the global warming findings were fraudulent. Apparently, global warming is not caused by human activities but rather the natural cycle of the temperature changes. In such cases, it is important any discrepancy is investigated to prevent misconceptions. We don't want to underestimate the problem just because a research paper says so. Perhaps not the citizens but another review board. This board has to have limited budget so as not to spend exorbitantly. It can be under the UN Environmental Program.

Ma'at , 18, Kuantan

*image from knowledgerush.com*

Next on the Speak Up! section,
A study shows that Asia a factor in West Coast smog. If this is true, then what do you think can be done to put a stop to the problem?

Speak Up-Issue 3

The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them. Thus it is high time now we, the younger generation stand firm to save the environment from being destroyed. The response to the question
If you are elected as the leader of your country, what environmental policies/legislation will you enact?
is by Karee Chan. We thank her for her effort to share her opinion with all the readers.
Response:-

Well I think the way that threats are presented should be indicators that portend how those threats should be addressed. In Malaysia, I believe public ignorance is the key impediment which hinders the development of the country into a greener place and also, obstruct environmentally-friendly innovation. There are plenty of examples that elicit public ignorance. People here like to litter. People like to use plastic bags. People don't remove their card from the slot when they leave the hotel room. However, 'enacting policies' is one thing, and 'making the policies work' is another thing. In order to adopt a more pro-active posture, our main concern should be educating the public properly and like they say, breaking the habit is always not easy, thus, the right values and perspectives should be instilled to the young. Instructions about educating the students regarding environmental issues will be directed at each and every educators in schools.

Mass media can be a real effective agent to spread the propaganda, yet if without a role model or models whom the citizens can look up too, the plan might be doomed to failure nevertheless. This is when the leaders of a country play a big role. Leaders must influence their family and friends first, not just plain, superficial act for the sake of public attention.

Besides education, assigning budgetary priorities for objectively-assessed high-risk threats is also a practical imperative. Rivers tainted with toxic chemical substances must be cleaned up immediately; rehabilitation should follow accordingly, in hoping to raise awareness of the public and let them realise the true beauty of mother nature. Rehabilitation however, does not mean extravagant 'refurbishment' with expensive imports- plants or planners- but the exact word we are looking for right here is moderate.

Perhaps, by then, the people will think twice before they litter again and think twice before they go out shopping without a shopping bag.

Next on Speak Up:
Do you think ordinary citizens should review scientists' work on environment first before the findings are implemented onto the environment? Why?

Speak Up- Issue 2

Query: Copenhagen Accord: Good or Bad? Why?

http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/x/_/2/good-cop-tt090126.jpg

The responses we received through email are as follows. Thank you Js.K, Ma'at, and G.G for their comments:

Js. K, 19, Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

Hi there Green Knights, Scene in the movie 2012 in which leaders of every country actually come to a consensus that benefit everyone just seems like a fairy tale to actually materialize. I would not say that the Copenhagen Accord is bad, just that it could have been better.At least the leaders around the world have come to realize that the global warming is really a crisis that can never be underestimated. Surely we do not want to wait until the devastating scenes in the movie 2012 actually happen in the real world then only the leaders around the world take action, right? Even though scientists express their concerns that the pledges in the Copenhagen Accord would be insufficient to keep the rise of temperature below 2 degrees, still I hope that the review on the accord by 2015 would make the current accord a more comprehensive one, with the long-term target to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees. The Copenhagen Accord might not be the best solution for everyone, still it plays an important role as a stepping stone to awaken the awareness among the leaders on how important it is to tackle global warming, rather than settling the problem aside and then only cry over the spilled milk.


Ma'at, 18, Kuantan (Malaysia)

Dear Green Knights, I believe one of the biggest mistakes these leaders have made is to assume that this is a beginning to further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the beginning was way back in 1992 during the Rio De Janeiro Talks. Another issue noted is that the accord was drawn up by a few countries such as the USA, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Seems a little ironic when the countries that are truly affected such as Mauritius were completely left out during the meeting of these other leaders. It would not be too much to say that the economic powers are trying to create a way to produce an agreement that will benefit them in the end. However, as much disappointed I am with the accord, the major contributors of the emissions: China, USA, and India have signed it. They did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol back in 1997. This is a change and hopefully it will encourage further international effort from all countries. I can't immediately label this accord as bad but it is definitely below standards as no clear targets were set, negotiations were made only between certain countries, and the lack of legal binds.


G.G, 19, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

The Copenhagen Accord is not going to bring any benefit if we still have some nations opposing this effort of monitoring the rise of temperature to control global warming. It is a good deal but it is not strong enough to bring great changes. All leaders should understand that this effort is not for a particular country but for the world as a whole and their co-operation in this matter is truly needed. Although we now have countries like Cuba which have finally agreed to the accord, we still have country like China who is still unsatisfied with the deal. So basically to make this accord a successful one, everyone should work towards realizing the aims and goals that have been agreed on plus the poorer countries will enjoy the benefits more. I believe that the Copenhagen Accord is a good one if we know how to work it out as planned and have clearer strategies.

Next up on Speak Up: If you are elected as the leader of your country, what environmental policies/legislation will you enact?

Please email your responses to greenknights.inti@gmail.com. To join our mailing list, also email your full name, email, contact number, and institution name. We'll get back to you immediately. Thank you.

Speak Up! - Issue 1

It is not merely world leaders who shoulder the burden of protecting the environment. The reader can talk as much as he or she wants about the failure of agreements, the unwillingness of goverments to implement enviromental friendly policies, etc, However, it is futile if no one recognizes it. Through our new section: Speak Up!, we encourage readers to provide their responses to various questions regarding the environment. We want your feedback because this is your world and you have every right to say it. (With that rude language and profanity is strictly prohibited)

Query: What are your opinions on the Conference/the outcome you hope this congregation of world leaders will achieve.

Name: GreenKnight Climate Deport.
Age: 24years
Country: Kano state, Nigeria.

Dear GreenKnights INTI,
As we await the outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference(COP 15) , it is important to continue building the momentum towards assisting poor communities adapt to the effects of climate change. As we already know the current situation of the environment is fragile and we pray that our leaders representing us on this serious issue will discuss and decide the appropriate approach to protecting the world’s environment.

Desmond Wee, 19

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Dear Leaders of the World,

How can we worry so much about our narrow self-interests when there may not be a world here for our progeny?

As two-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Ervin László said: "We must collectively change our way of thinking from one of selfishness and separatism to a more holistic worldview."


These were the responses we received through email. Next on the issue of Speak Up!: Copenhagen Accord: Good or Bad? Why?

Stay with us!

INTI GOES GREEN

We are serious about the environment and this is proof.

Poster designed by Chong Sher Minn

Yes indeed. Following negotiations made by the Green Knights Club, headed by Ms Lillian Tai of the Student Affairs Office (SAO), we have succeeded in persuading the school's management to ban styrofoam commencing January 2010.

Vendors selling food on campus will no longer provide styrofoam boxes to students. Instead, they will be provided with biodegradable paper boxes and these will be sold to students at reasonable prices. Students are encouraged to bring along durable materials such as plastic containers that can be reused continuously if they do not intend to purchase these special paper boxes.

Furthermore, students will have to pay a reasonable amount (below RM0.50 per piece) for plastic bags. Since most students carry bags to school, it will be wiser to use these than to demand a plastic bag for small items.

A drastic change is needed to break habits. Especially habits that have been ingrained in oneself for a long time. We will keep you updated on the development of this campaign. Suggestions are highly appreciated.

KK

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KK