On the eve of the Climate Conference in Copenhagen, some youths in Singapore will be gathering at the Sinema Old School to attend a Policy Forum on the topic of Environmental Sustainability and Water Conservation in Singapore. With the presence of the Guest of Honour, Professor S. Jayakumar, Senior Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security, this event, organised by the East Coast GRC and the Joo Chiat SMC and co-organised by PAYM, is set to present some of the issues that Singaporean youths ought to be aware of and concerned about, the state policy of Singapore's role in the global movement and commitment towards a more sustainable environment for our future and the future of our generations to come.

The big question to ask is, really, how can Singapore's contribution make any difference to the global figures? Why should Singapore even consider being a part of the global climate discussions, whatever the outcome may be?

In an interview of Minister Mentor Lee at the Singapore Energy Conference in November 2008 [1], the MM highlighted the fact that even though Singapore's carbon emission per capita is very high because of the 1.4 billion barrels of oil it refines per day, only 100,000 barrels of oil is consumed here in Singapore. For this relatively low proportion, Singapore can not be said to be contributing significantly to the climate crisis.

Then in late October 2009, Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources said at the 11th Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, ‘We are not obligated to set targets or reduce emissions, but…we will do our part.' [2]. The main concerns, as reported, was based on the policy-makers worry about Singapore's lack of natural resources and high dependency on the economy to survive as a small island nation. In a related report, it was stated that Singapore's production industry is relatively small, compared to the carbon emission giants of China and India. Hence, Singapore is not obliged to make cuts to global carbon emissions.

Then, just a week prior to the Climate Conference, SM Jayakumar made Singapore's stand clear. So long as there is a global agreement that legally binds all countries to cut emissions, Singapore will undertake voluntary and domestically funded action to reduce its emissions growth to 16 per cent below 'business as usual' levels by 2020. [3]

How exactly will the Climate Conference affect Singapore? How will we be affected as individuals?

It seems clear to many that there are benefits to climate commitments [4] even if climate change is, as some critics insist, only a hoax. As an individual person of this global community that we live in, we need to be aware of what are these implications, and stay alert.

Regardless of the outcome, whatever decision we make today will affect the people of our future generations. Indeed, the world keeps changing. We can not project what will happen in the future with absolute certainty. What we can do, however, is to do what we can to avoid living in an age of ignorance by being ill-informed.

G.Wheelers, keep going GREEN! Don't live in the AGE OF STUPID without realising it!



References:
[1] http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/mica/transcript/T-20081105-1.html
[2] http://sggreendrinks.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/singapore-rejects-emission-cuts/
[3] http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_461922.html
[4] http://unfcccecosingapore.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/singapore-rejects-emissions-cuts/

Written by: Young

It's just one day away from Go G.Wheelers @ the Xtreme SkatePark and we have been busy making sure that things will go well for G.Wheelers, and everyone will have a fun and safe time! =) Because we understand that some of our participants may want to ride together with US to the Xtreme SkatePark, participants can choose to register and meet us at SunPlaza Park (opposite Tampines Regional Library) at 1pm on Sunday, 29 Nov 2009!

Here are some shots we took during our recce of the route from SunPlaza Park to Xtreme SkatePark!


Our first stop, Park Connector Network (PCN) Pitstop at SunPlaza Park. That's where you can rent a bike and return at any of the 6 PCN Pitstops!


One of the many maps. We're starting from PCN Tampines!


Tampines Mall, favourite haunt of students living closeby!


Our G.Wheeler Reconnaissance team!


A Nice Bike Bay, new and sheltered, YAY! But we're NOT stopping here today!


up the winding slope!


PAST many many many more maps... (fast forward)


NEARING the destination!


Pretty SunSET, HERE WE COME!


EAST COAST PARK!!!


LOVELY sunset! The photo doesn't do it justice at all, you've REALLY just GOT TO experience the EXHILARATION yourself! =)

Join US, @ Go G.Wheelers! This Sunday, 29 Nov 2009! Register NOW!

...
More photos to come! =)

Okay, so we've been asked some questions about the rationale of organising Go G.Wheelers. So, here's a one stop blog entry to explain our objectives to one and all!



1.Why G.Wheelers?
We are inspired to gather people together to raise awareness of the upcoming Climate Conference in Copenhagen. We want to inspire more people to rethink their lifestyle and explore ways in which people can be more green in little ways, in their everyday lives, starting from transportation.

Hence, G.Wheelers, to encourage the use of Green Wheels.

2.Why cycle from various parts of Singapore to Xtreme SkatePark?
We believe that there is a greener alternative to transportation. It can be a choice of taking public transport (buses or trains) or buying green vehicles that are hybrids or powered by natural gas, or, we can choose to use non-motorised green transportation, such as cycling or skating, what we would like to call Green Wheels, or G.Wheels.

Many people disregard cycling as a possible form of everyday transportation because there seems to be many obstacles, such as weather constraints, road conditions, traveling time, sweatiness etc. But it is actually quite beneficial and convenient once you get the hang of it, and we have living proof! We would like to share our experiences with you, and what better way than to try it for yourselves, to cycle or skate to the Xtreme SkatePark on your own. Experience is the best demonstrator!

3.Why have booths?
Supporters of G.Wheelers will be setting up booths to share green lifestyle tips with you. There will be tips on how to change a bicycle tire, what is the perfect height for your bicycles, what is the right kind of bicycle to suit your purposes, what kinds of foldable bikes are there in the market etc.

If you have other ideas, do contact us and share with us too!

4.Why are there extreme sports competitions?
The extreme sports competitions will be organised by Extreme Sports Association (Singapore) and they will be held at the Xtreme SkatePark on the same day of Go G.Wheelers. Participants of Go G.Wheeler will then get the opportunity to check out the local extreme sports talents and catch them in action!

5.Why are we cycling from Xtreme SkatePark to Fort Road and back?
We want to reach out to as many people as possible, so all participants will be invited to participate in a number of flash mobs along the East Coast Park on the event day, with our G.Wheeler Posteriors which will bear green messages. Watch out for them!

6. Must I wear a G.Shirt to join in the cycling / skating?
No, you are most welcome to join us even if you do not have the G.Shirt.

The purpose of the G.Shirt is for us to get noticed, to tell people that there is a greener ride, and we can choose. And we hope that you can help us share that message by donning the G.Shirt! =)

Plus, it's beautiful! (Thanks, Wally!)

7. What do I do if I don't own a bicycle or skates?
Option 1.
You can meet us at Sun Plaza park and rent a bicycle from there to cycle to Xtreme SkatePark.

Option 2.
You can meet us at Xtreme SkatePark and rent a bicycle or a pair of skates from the kiosks near to the Xtreme SkatePark.

8. What if I don't know how to cycle or skate?
You can join us for the series of flash mobs along East Coast Park, or visit our booths or just to watch the extreme sports competitions!

9. Where are the park connectors in Singapore?
You can access maps of all the Park Connectors in Singapore from the link to this PDF file. You can also get all the information you need on the various Park Connectors all over Singapore, including distance calculator applications and so on! Just click HERE!

10. Do I need to be there the whole time?
You are MOST WELCOME to! =)


I hope I've answered all your questions, but please feel free to let me know if there are any other queries! You can also click here for our earlier set of FAQs!

If not, see you there! Go G.Wheelers!


Go G.Wheelers! is a cycling / skating event
Organised by:
,
Co-organised by:

and Supported by: