The lecture that was held on 30th January has provided us with greater insight on the issue of global warming. It was a good continuation from the video on “The Inconvenient Truth” showing the effects of global warming, where we now gain knowledge of how the world is tackling this issue, the complexities of curbing global warming which is limited not only by technology.
The first presenter was Professor Andrew Palmer, presenting with a focus of carbon capture technology. First, he gave background information on the carbon levels in our atmosphere, which was approximately 7.5 gigatons of carbon at the beginning of this century, and went on to show its trend over the next 50 years based on the amount of global efforts in reducing carbon emission. Fuel switch from coal to gas, utilizing solar and wind power, carbon dioxide capture and storage, less usage of cars are some of the possible efforts that Professor Andrew had brought up. Next, we went into details of storing liquid carbon dioxide under pressure in the ocean, and the scale of such projects of storing it in membranes on the ocean bed. He added that political issues are always more demanding than the technology itself, citing examples of the US being the major oil consumption, yet not adopting the Kyoto Protocol, which gives reason for others not doing anything serious about curbing global warming. Carbon dioxide storage underwater sounded familiar, but Professor Andrew’s presentation has given me more insight on the technological aspects and more importantly, political issues that trail along with regards to global warming.
The second presenter was Professor Benjamin K. Sovacool, and he used Science and Technology Studies to address energy problems. He mentioned that technology and society are blended together, and technology is a result of choice from humanity. Technical feasibility contests social interest, which either of two can fail independently of each other. Next, he went into the first case study of renewable energy, and cited that market failures and barriers are one of the causes of the lack of extensive usage alternative energy sources in the US. His second case study was on the history of electric cars, and the rapid shift of the market from electric cars to gasoline powered vehicles. Media and advertisement was the main cause of this shift, since both vehicles had an equal share of pros and cons. The history of electric cars was fascinating as we see its evolved form on the streets every day, but not many of us knowing the history of it.
The final presenter was Professor Bala, with a technical presentation of the issue of global warming. He has provided much facts and figures of global warming, including the potential consequences of global warming and the possible solutions.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
2 : : The Inconvenient Truth
“The Inconvenient Truth”, together with other similarly themed films such as “The Day after Tomorrow” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, targets to increase the awareness of changes in the global climate worldwide, by utilizing the extensive reach of media. Cynics call it a scare tactic, but the effects of global warming is real, based on trends of climate changes over the years. In Singapore, the main sources of carbon emissions are from the burning of fossil fuels in industrial processes, power plants, transportation and the incineration of wastes. Singapore's government has been actively involved in curbing carbon emissions, aiming to reduce carbon intensities by 25% from its levels in 1990, by year 2012. This target was achieved two years ago. In the same year, Singapore has also acceded to the Kyoto Protocol.
To increase the efficiency of power plants, the government has liberalized the electricity market. With electricity providers facing competitions, there is a need for cleaner and more efficient power. Modern turbine technology was employed in conjunction with an increased usage of natural gases from 19% in year 2000 to 78% in year 2006. Natural gases allow cleaner and more efficient energy extraction, explaining the significant decrease in carbon emissions from power stations since then.
However, the high energy utilization rate of the city-state meant power plants will still remain as the major contributor to carbon emissions. The government responds with a two pronged approach: advocate energy saving and introducing cleaner energy. In the past year, regular advertisements of energy saving were put up, by displaying the incentives of saving on electricity bills. Lightings in parks are also changed to energy saving bulbs which amounted to savings of $702,000 equivalence of energy. Next, the government has also set aside $350 million to develop alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy.
Transportation is another major contributor to carbon emissions, and public transport is encouraged as means of keeping it to the minimal. Disincentives such as COE and road taxes are designed to restrict the number of cars on the road by imposing high costs of owning a vehicle. Meanwhile, funds are injected into improving the public transport network, such as the recent Circle Line. The extensive public transport network in the near future will become a most common and efficient tool of transport, following the footsteps of cities such as London and Tokyo.
Despite numerous efforts by the government in curbing global warming, individuals still play the most important role in contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Reducing energy consumption, travelling on public transport, reduce waste disposal and increase recycling are the choice of individuals, who plays the largest role collectively.
To increase the efficiency of power plants, the government has liberalized the electricity market. With electricity providers facing competitions, there is a need for cleaner and more efficient power. Modern turbine technology was employed in conjunction with an increased usage of natural gases from 19% in year 2000 to 78% in year 2006. Natural gases allow cleaner and more efficient energy extraction, explaining the significant decrease in carbon emissions from power stations since then.
However, the high energy utilization rate of the city-state meant power plants will still remain as the major contributor to carbon emissions. The government responds with a two pronged approach: advocate energy saving and introducing cleaner energy. In the past year, regular advertisements of energy saving were put up, by displaying the incentives of saving on electricity bills. Lightings in parks are also changed to energy saving bulbs which amounted to savings of $702,000 equivalence of energy. Next, the government has also set aside $350 million to develop alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy.
Transportation is another major contributor to carbon emissions, and public transport is encouraged as means of keeping it to the minimal. Disincentives such as COE and road taxes are designed to restrict the number of cars on the road by imposing high costs of owning a vehicle. Meanwhile, funds are injected into improving the public transport network, such as the recent Circle Line. The extensive public transport network in the near future will become a most common and efficient tool of transport, following the footsteps of cities such as London and Tokyo.
Despite numerous efforts by the government in curbing global warming, individuals still play the most important role in contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Reducing energy consumption, travelling on public transport, reduce waste disposal and increase recycling are the choice of individuals, who plays the largest role collectively.
1 : : Engineer's training in relation to complex information analysis and problem solving
Since the start of civilization, engineers play an inherent role in the establishment of infrastructures. Today, more diversified jobs are created with an increasing shift of the global economy towards service sectors. Despite having an established infrastructure, engineers are still well sought after by employers from various fields. Prof. Ramakrishna’s article has given a summary of the multiplex roles trained engineers are taking today.
The core of an engineer’s training constitutes of technical training in their chosen field of expertise. This aspect of training has remained relatively similar over the years. The approach to solving technical problems often requires analysis and a planned solution of multiple steps, such as the building of a load bearing structure. Analysis of provided information such as loading weight has to be factored into structure designing, followed by decisions on building materials, and a systematic approach to building the structure. These are common encounters which provide engineers with skills to handle, process and apply information to their field of work.
With evolving economic trends, additional ‘tools’ have been added to the training structure. Basic training in computer language, business and administration are commonly incorporated in engineering courses offered at the NUS. Although seemingly unrelated to the technicalities of a large portion of the training, these tools have high relevance in the economy. Companies have utilized technology to enhance efficiency. Together with background information on the management and systems, engineers are able to apply their analytical skills in different fields.
The core of an engineer’s training constitutes of technical training in their chosen field of expertise. This aspect of training has remained relatively similar over the years. The approach to solving technical problems often requires analysis and a planned solution of multiple steps, such as the building of a load bearing structure. Analysis of provided information such as loading weight has to be factored into structure designing, followed by decisions on building materials, and a systematic approach to building the structure. These are common encounters which provide engineers with skills to handle, process and apply information to their field of work.
With evolving economic trends, additional ‘tools’ have been added to the training structure. Basic training in computer language, business and administration are commonly incorporated in engineering courses offered at the NUS. Although seemingly unrelated to the technicalities of a large portion of the training, these tools have high relevance in the economy. Companies have utilized technology to enhance efficiency. Together with background information on the management and systems, engineers are able to apply their analytical skills in different fields.
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