Post 2

Have you taken a walk at the park nearby your house recently and wondered about the warm weather even though it is the rainy seasons? It might be the effects of the greenhouse gases produced everyday through the burning of fossil fuels in power stations for electricity or even the use of refrigeration systems.

Environmentalists around the world are constantly promoting environmental awareness, educating the people the possible effects and aftermath of increasing global warming. From increasing sea levels due to the melting of ice sheets over Greenland and Alaska to the increase of acidity of the ocean water, these, however, did not seemed to be of a concern to leaders of developed countries around the world. Although there were several agreements, for example, the Kyoto Protocol, to cut down on greenhouse gases emissions, much of the results were below expectations because of the consideration of the impact on the economy by implementing the changes.

In Singapore, the government can help reduce the problem of global warming in 3 ways: increasing or implementing penalties or tax on large contribution of greenhouse gases, rewarding or providing subsidy for a cleaner and lesser contribution and educating the public.

Firstly, Singapore can impose heavy taxes on industries and buildings producing large amount of greenhouse gases, although there must be careful considerations done for the nature of certain industries. The government can also increase road tax during peak hours and location so as to possibly reduce traffic jams, which are a major contribution of carbon dioxide, and discourage the use of private transport. They have also been enforcing the use of CFC-free products.

Furthermore, Singapore can reward or provide subsidy for people who choose a cleaner alternative. For example, the government can provide tax subsidy for industries that are able to reduce greenhouse gases emission. Subsidy can also be given to people who choose to travel in public transport.

However, the problem of global warming cannot be reduced without everyone's contributions. The government should implement more programmes to educate the public of environmental awareness. From practicing the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle, to understanding the effects of global warming, schools too must educate and cultivate students' environmental awareness.

In conclusion, the government can help reduce the problem of global warming by imposing heavier penalties on major emissions of greenhouse gases industries, providing a reward or subsidy for cleaner alternatives and most importantly educating the public.