It is impossible to reach a global consensus on environmental conservation efforts. Do you agree?

 

    To reach a global consensus on environmental conservation efforts means having to make environmental conservation efforts a generally accept opinion around the world. This is extremely hard to convince especially in heavily industrialised developing countries such as China. Moreover, some people may disagree with the environmental conservation efforts as the positive effects on the Earth are too minor and sometimes negligible in the short run. Hence, I feel that it is very difficult to reach a global consensus on environmental conservation efforts.

 

    In the best studied polar bear population of 1000 bears in the West Hudson Bay, we can only save less than one-tenth of a polar bear in year despite efforts to cut down carbon dioxide emissions. This may be hindering the people and countries to put in their best effort for environmental conservation, especially when these efforts came with a compromise with their current style of living. In addition, we are told that global warming will wipe out polar bears. But we are not told that over the past 40years-while temperatures have risen – the global polar bear population has risen from 5,000 to 25,000. These statistics make the aim of environmental efforts seem weak and unconvincing. The results from these efforts seems to produce little or even contradictive effects.

 

    Moreover, as told on chee ying's article, the Kyoto protocol which aims to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted into the environment is not as successful as it has yet to be sign by the three major greenhouse gases emitters India, China and the United States which contributes 35 per cent of the world greenhouse gases. As China and India are both developing countries, demands for them to cut down drastically on energy consumption and carbon dioxide will be over the board. Upon seeing that the developing countries have the excuse not to sign the treaty, developed countries such as the United States will also be reluctant to agree to the treaty.

 

    In Conclusion, it is difficult to reach a global consensus as there will always be contradicting views on global consciousness. Hence a clearer and more logical line must be drawn between the sacrifices made and the benefits on environmental conservation.

 

    

The current hype over environmental issues is unnecessary.Do u agree?

Environmental problems arising throughout the world has plagued us since the beginning of the 21th century. If nobody comes forward to solve this issue and rectify the problem, it's going to affect everyone globally harshly. It's not just an individual's nor country's problem but an issue concerning the whole world. Hence, there is definitely a need to surface the large scale environmental problem we are facing here.


Just as a mother concerned about her child's well-being and rushes to buy organic food for them, global warming-one of the largest global environmental issue should have everyone rushing to alleviate this problem. The approach taken by organisations and government has namely led to the result of two famous protocols-the Kyoto protocol and Montreal protocol. The aim of Kyoto protocol is to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases while the aim of the Montreal protocol is to ban the use of substances contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. While the aims of the two protocols differ, their main goal is to prevent the environment from being further aggravated. This show the extent of this issue and how the hype over it is not unnecessary.


Here are some fears to keep you mind-boggling-natural resources are depleting, increasing population leaving people with lesser food resources, species are becoming extinct leading to dreaded chain of the ecosystem, forests are vanishing and pollution is worsening. Now, does this scare you? Perhaps or perhaps not for those unfeeling creatures unworthy of the human race. With the increase of human activity in extracting minerals and other minerals of Earth, humanity may end up killing itself in the process. The exponential rate of the increase of the environmental problems has caused to the world to create a hype over it. Yet it's necessary to arouse the attention of people around the world to do their bit in saving the ailing Earth.


With regards to ECY's post, I agree with what she has to say. It'll take time for human to change their mindset on how resources should be deviated to used to find ways to save the Earth. Yet, the time taken for people cannot take too long or the consequences would have been too late to rectify. Governments must take the first step to alleviate this problem, only then can its people follow suit. I'm sure that if everyone cooperates, there'll still be hope for the human race and it's environment.

It is impossible to reach a global consensus on environmental conservation efforts. Do you agree?

Environmental problems like global warming, pollution, biodiversity and habitat loss and deforestation affects the whole world. The problems are not contained within a country. Instead, any action taken by a country which harms the environment will also negatively affect the rest of the world. To prevent and reduce the environment problems requires most if not all the countries combine effort. Therefore, I do not agree that it is impossible to reach a global consensus on environmental conservation efforts. The 1987 Montreal Protocol and the 2002 Kyoto Protocol are examples of the world agreeing to take steps to conserve the environment. However, reaching a global consensus will not be easy.

A highly successful plan, the Montreal Protocol which aims to cut down on production of substances that depletes the ozone is agreed to by 191 nations out of 195 nations in the world. It includes both the developed and developing countries while giving the developing countries a 10 years grace period. This shows that it is possible for the countries in the world to come to an agreement to save the earth. Countries put aside economic needs to concentrate on the needs of the global community.

However, the Kyoto protocol which aims to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted into the environment is not as successful as it has yet to be sign by the three major greenhouse gases emitters India, China and the United States which contributes 35 per cent of the world greenhouse gases. The United States refusal to ratify the protocol was due to the exemption given to China, a developing country which is the second largest greenhouse gases emitters. 175 countries have ratified the protocol. The Kyoto protocol shows the difficulty in getting all the different countries to agree on a common solution. Each country looks out for its own need first before looking at the needs of the whole world.

In conclusion, although is it possible to reach a global consensus on environmental conservation efforts, it will be a difficult and long journey with many rounds of debate.

Chee Ying

UNNECESSARY HYPE?

The current hype over environmental issues is unnecessary. Do u agree?

Environmental issues like global warming and emissions of greenhouse gases are definitely concerning issues to each and everyone of use living in the world today. Living in the same earth, we all have a part to play in protecting it. Therefore, I disagree that the current hype over environmental issues is unnecessary as it will serve as a warning to the people on doing our part in saving the earth.

Firstly, the hype over these issues can influence and motivate people to put in more effort into the conservation of the environment. The production of films like ‘The Inconvenient Truth’ can make people begin to contribute in preserving the environment. Environmental issues can allow people to take the first step to defend the environment. With the first step taken by some people, even the majority who are not particular about contributing to the conservation of the environment will make an attempt to do their part. This is because the minority will ‘set an example for other people’ and consequently, the hype over environmental issues will eventually allow the people to take action on protecting the environment.

Other than that, the hype of such issues creates a sense of urgency among the people to permit them to understand the emergency of these problems and immediately think of solutions to solve these critical environmental problems. The raising up of environmental issues can allow the actions that pollute the environment to come to a stop. A treaty was signed by Kyoto, Japan to address the issues on environmental problems. The hype over environmental issues definitely serves as a catalyst to allow actions for solutions on environmental problems.

The hype over environmental issues is certainly necessary as it will eventually allow the people to know about the severe problems faced by the environment and let us think of solutions to solve these problems. Therefore, we should be concern about environmental issues and do our part as the citizens of the earth.

Given the problems that plague the Olympics, has the modern Olympics lost it purpose?

The purpose of the modern Olympics is to bring nations closer together and today, it still serves as the best possible platform to achieve this aim. It is also stated in the Olympics creed: “the most important thing is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not to triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is to have conquered but to have fought well.” The Olympics is currently the world largest sporting event where 203 countries sent their athletics to compete in the various sporting events. The Olympics also includes 28 fully recognized sports giving an equal chance for the different countries to excel.

However, there are many problems that are associated with the Olympic like boycotting, politics, violence and doping. The most serious problem is boycotting. It goes against the purpose of the Olympics. By boycotting the event, countries will be further divided instead of becoming closer. Many countries do so to show their displeasure about what the host countries had done. Many boycotts are decided by the government with political agenda instead of the athletics themselves. The Olympics was also disrupted by the two world wars indicating that the Olympics is insufficient to prevent violence between two countries.

Another major problem with the Olympics is the emphasis on winning medals. Many countries offer monetary reward to their athletes. This competitive sprit may cause discord instead of friendliness between participants of the different countries. The drive to excel may result in athletes who abuse drugs to increase their performance. The athletes may not be willing to make friends due to the intense competition.

Therefore in conclusion, although the Olympics may not have achieved it aim of bring nations closer together, it has not lost its purpose. What needs to be done is to eradicate the problems through education and create more goodwill between nations with the hope of achieving a more tolerant and peaceful world.

Chee Ying

The Union between sport and business is "often an easy one"?

Since decades ago, companies have always been sponsoring famous sportspeople by getting them to endorse their products. In my opinion, there are reasons why the union between sports and business is an uneasy sight.

The merging of sports and enterprises often leads one to thinking whether the modern sports in the world is around only because of such businesses to provide for them. It wavers people's thoughts as to whether they are supporting their favourite sportsperson or whether they are supporting the companies sponsoring them doing the likes of many by going out to buy products endorsed or sponsored by famous sportspeople. With the results of people's actions, it pushes companies to continue their making money strategies of using sportspeople to advertise their products. This ongoing cycle makes one think it is the right thing to be happening. Renowned sportspeople also have to stay firm in their ground and not be easily swayed to what's happening in the showbiz where stars are condemned for their actions like taking drugs and other scandals. This has made it hard for famous sportspeople to stay on track as it takes a lot of resilience to keep focused which triggers one to thinking whether there is a need for sportspeople to suffer such a fate because of the connections they have with the world.

Till today, co-operation between sports and business are still ongoing and that economic bond has become even closer. Modern celebrity sportspeople like Maria Sharapova-a renowned tennis player, is sponsored by companies like Nike to appear trendy and flashy on the court with their attire. She endorses companies like Canon to promote their cameras. With such attractive rewards, how can one not succumb to temptation by rejecting all offers just to maintain the spirit of being a true sportsperson by playing the sport just to win honour for themselves and the country. With the change in the society and their thinking, it people feel that the union between that the sports and business is an uncomfortable one. Yet, people go with the flow and do not oppose which then leads to another question for thinking, "What values do we hold these days?"

WHY EXERCISE?

Application question 4
The author raises several reasons why people today need exercise. Do u agree with them? Justify your answer.

Exercise can help to stimulate our immune system and allows us to keep fit constantly. In the world today, exercise can help us cope with the change in our lifestyle and habits. It also enables us to be prevented from diseases.

Firstly, in the modernised and technology-based world today, food has turned processed and unnatural. The food we consume today contains ‘processed sugar and salt’ that may lead to many health problems such as ‘hypertension, obesity and constipation’. The unhealthy lifestyle led by the people today also contributes to the risks of contradicting these diseases. People nowadays are generally coping with work and studies. During free time, they would definitely choose to sit around to relax then to do vigorous exercises. Therefore, with their hectic schedule, they are unable to find time to do regular workouts. With the unhealthy lifestyle that will lead to a high risk of contracting ‘the present disease epidemics’, people will definitely need to exercise.

Secondly, exercise will build up our immune system that will bring us good health. It boosts ‘disease prevention’ and ‘health enhancement’. When we exercise, it boosts the blood circulation of our heart and brain and we will be able to think better, which will increase our ‘quality of life’, where we can have a good health and enjoy life to the fullest. Exercise is key to ‘quality of life’, exercise can promote good health and only with good health, we can then have good quality of life. With the failing immune system in people, exercise is essential to allow good health.

Finally, exercise has plenty of benefits to the people. In order to cope with changes in lifestyle, technology advancements and maintenance of good health, exercise should no be neglected. Instead, we should all embrace exercises and promote regular exercising in order to maintain good health and have ‘excellent quality of life’.