In the article “Why The Climate Fight Need Engineers” by Shah (2015), the writer states that The Engineers Progression Pathway Programme that consists of three tiers is welcomed by professionals. It is launched by the labour body National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES). The programme assists practicing engineers cultivate their industrial and professional skills. She also mentions that the programme emphasizes on the basic role that engineering expertise will play in the fight against climate change.  Shah also quoted Choi Shing Kwok; "Going forward, engineering expertise will remain a key part of the solution in realizing Singapore’s green growth vision, as laid out in the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) 2015." While engineers came out with solutions to real-life problems and were the ones responsible for the constructions of many innovations throughout the years, the writer has failed to include that this is not the engineers fight alone.

Engineer's innovation constructions can be seen everywhere. Examples of such works are the green buildings, water treatment and incineration plants, land reclamation, transportation networks, high-tech industries and entertainment facilities (Chua, July 2015).  These innovations were designed and later built to suit the needs and demands of the citizens. Engineers were always the ones with solutions to solve problems faced for generations and fighting climate change is just another problem for them to solve. Climate change is proposed as a new problem that can impact on a country's food and water security (Cheam, 2013). Also, increasing intensity and occurrence of climatic hazards are impacting unfavourably upon environmental and socio-economic systems (Climate, 2013). Similarly to Shah's article, engineers play a big part to manage this problem as they can come together from various departments to design and construct infrastructures to intensify cities' resilience and adaptations to climate change (Chua, July 2015).

Despite the capabilities of engineers in designing, constructing and building, we tend to be over dependent on them. Us, as citizens, could help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We could do so, simply by changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water and recycling (EPA, 2015). There are many online sites that provide means and ways for us to help in fighting climate change. In addition, Singapore has initiated several events and programmes to prepare the nation so that we will be ready when posed challenges such as climate change. An example of a programme initiated is The Engineers Progression Pathway programme mentioned in Shah's article that aims to sharpen the skills of practicing engineers in preparing them to fight climate change. Another example is a competition called The Engineering Feats by the Singapore Institution of Engineers that aims to recognize innovations that contributed to Singapore's economic growth (Chua, July 2015). Both initiatives are beneficial to the country in reducing the risks. To add on to Singapore's initiatives, the country had released a national climate change strategy which summarizes their plan to tackle this problem through a whole-of-nation approach. Singapore's approach include reducing emissions across sectors, building capabilities to adapt to the impact, controlling chances for green growth and establishing partnerships on climate change (MFA, 2012).

In conclusion, everyone have their part to play in fighting climate change. But it is the engineers who play the fundamental role.  This is because they have been providing solutions to many real-world problems and have been constructing to suit the country's needs. This is further supported by "There will always be a need for engineering expertise in the region to design and build reliable infrastructure." (Chua, June 2015).

References:

       In the article “Why The Climate Fight Need Engineers” by Shah (2015), the writer states that The Engineers Progression Pathway Programme that consists of three tiers is welcomed by professionals. It is launched by the labour body National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES). The programme assists practicing engineers cultivate their industrial and professional skills. She also mentions that the programme emphasizes on the basic role that engineering expertise will play in the fight against climate change.  Shah also quoted Choi Shing Kwok; "Going forward, engineering expertise will remain a key part of the solution in realizing Singapore’s green growth vision, as laid out in the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) 2015." While engineers came out with solutions to real-life problems and were the ones responsible for the constructions of many innovations throughout the years, the writer has failed to include that this is not the engineers fight alone.

Engineer's innovation constructions can be seen everywhere. Examples of such works are the green buildings, water treatment and incineration plants, land reclamation, transportation networks, high-tech industries and entertainment facilities (Chua, July 2015).  These innovations were designed and later built to suit the needs and demands of the citizens. Engineers were always the ones with solutions to solve problems faced for generations and fighting climate change is just another problem for them to solve. Climate change is proposed as a new problem that can impact on a country's food and water security (Cheam, 2013). Also, increasing intensity and occurrence of climatic hazards are impacting unfavourably upon environmental and socio-economic systems (Climate, 2013). Similarly to Shah's article, engineers play a big part to manage this problem as they can come together from various departments to design and construct infrastructures to intensify cities' resilience and adaptations to climate change (Chua, July 2015).

Despite the capabilities of engineers in designing, constructing and building, we tend to be over dependent on them. Us, as citizens, could help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We could do so, simply by changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water and recycling (EPA, 2015). There are many online sites that provide means and ways for us to help in fighting climate change. In addition, Singapore has initiated several events and programmes to prepare the nation so that we will be ready when posed challenges such as climate change. An example of a programme initiated is The Engineers Progression Pathway programme mentioned in Shah's article that aims to sharpen the skills of practicing engineers in preparing them to fight climate change. Another example is a competition called The Engineering Feats by the Singapore Institution of Engineers that aims to recognize innovations that contributed to Singapore's economic growth (Chua, July 2015). Both initiatives are beneficial to the country in reducing the risks. To add on to Singapore's initiatives, the country had released a national climate change strategy which summarizes their plan to tackle this problem through a whole-of-nation approach. Singapore's approach include reducing emissions across sectors, building capabilities to adapt to the impact, controlling chances for green growth and establishing partnerships on climate change (MFA, 2012).

In conclusion, everyone have their part to play in fighting climate change. But it is the engineers who play the fundamental role.  This is because they have been providing solutions to many real-world problems and have been constructing to suit the country's needs. This is further supported by "There will always be a need for engineering expertise in the region to design and build reliable infrastructure." (Chua, June 2015).

References: