Summary on Land supply

Definition

Land constraint is the limited amount of land to be developed for various uses.

Causes

Rising demand for land

Firstly, there is population growth. As the number of people increases, the available resources would have to be shared among more people, thus adding pressure to the land. This results in demands for more land. Then, there is housing. A growing population will require more houses, thus more land will be used to build more houses for people. Also, providing jobs are extremely essential for a growing population. One way is to expand industries, which will require more land. Furthermore, as the country develops, more roads and railways have to be built as a good transport network is important for the movement of goods, materials and people. In addition, the production of food increases due to increasing populations, thus more arable land is needed. Lastly, with more people, more recreational spaces have to be provided for pleasure and relaxation. Thus, more land needs to be set aside for these.

Limited land supply

Land makes up 30 percent of the Earth but not all are useful. Areas like swamps, marshes and coastal areas are constantly water - logged and deserts are too dry to be of any use. Besides these, there are also lands that are ruined by mining and old farming practices. Even areas which can be used are set aside for other uses, such as water catchment areas and military training grounds. This means that what little is left for housing and industries.

Responses to rising demand for land

- increasing cost of land

- Increase supply of land

{ Done through land clearance, development, land reclamation, empoldering, reclamation of derelict land, maximisation of use of existing land and agricultural land use , mixed land use, terracing, soil - less farming and conservation of land}

Reflection

Personally, this chapter has got me thinking about my future in Singapore. One day, Singapore will eventually run out of land. If this should happen, what am I to do? I might possibly inherit our family's house but that is not certain. Well, I'll think more about when I get my first pay^_^

Tabitha Chiam

Alternative source of energy (2)

In the post above, I gave an example of an alternative source of energy which Singapore is taking into consideration. Now I will give one which Singapore has already executed.

This alternative source of energy is solar energy. The Government has funded the use of solar energy through money for research and development. Generally, Singapore makes use of its tropical climate and high-rise buildings to her advantage. Solar panels can be installed on the top of such buildings like HDB flats, industrial buildings and condominiums, and can receive sunlight easily without any obstruction. Solar cars my be used, but it is not advisable as such cars usually cost a lot. It has been stated that the use of solar energy could be big if not for the use of oil and petrol for cars.

In conclusion, solar energy is something which can be used more often in the future, if we still have one, that is. Which just goes to show why we should start or continue using solar-powered appliances.

Tabitha Chiam^_^

Alternative energy sources in Singapore

One of the alternative sources of energy in Singapore is biofuel. This is produced by processing biomass to generate energy sources like diesel oil (biodiesel) or alcohol (ethanol). Biodiesel and ethanol can be used in diesel vehicles and specially designed engines respectively.

Unlike petroleum diesel, biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradeable. Particulate, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions are reduced, although there is an increase in nitrogen oxide production. The odour of its combustion is also less pungent.

A strategy for biofuel use in Singapore might include:

Tax breaks to encourage transition. Diversifying the domestic energy profile involves managing what economists call externalities. If biofuel-friendly vehicles cost more and are less convenient to use, then the average driver would not want to purchase one, whatever the broader benefits to the environment or economy. There have been tax breaks for ‘green’ cars in the past. If not already the case, these tax breaks should be extended to biofuel vehicles. In addition, government vehicles such as a proportion of police, ambulance and military vehicles should be biofuel-compatible hybrids.This will act as additional insurance in the event of a fuel crisis.

Cultivating agricultural nations and biofuel exporters. If biofuel becomes prominent in the world energy market, nations rich in agriculture will gain an increase in influence. While continuing our links with The Middle East, we should also maintain good relations with these biofuel producers. We can build a second level of protection against dependency, by obtaining biofuel from multiple sources, spread across more than one geographical region. The two largest producers of biofuel today are Brazil and The United States , both having domestic agriculture as a source of raw material. Closer to home, Thailand is a world - class exporter of sugar (used in ethanol production), and Malaysia is a major producer of palm oil (used to produce biodiesel).

Research. Biofuels are biotechnology-intensive in their production. Enzymes are required to prepare the raw material biomass, followed by fermentation and processing. Some of Singapore’s R & D investment should go towards biofuel research.

Biofuel-hub. Singapore can start a biofuel-hub, specializing in efficient conversion of raw material to fuel. This would dovetail nicely with an ongoing research programme, and generate more employment for life science graduates. Raw palm oil could be obtained from Malaysia or Indonesia to make biodiesel. Ethanol could be produced using sugar from Thailand. There would undoubtedly be competition, as other regional players try to join the bandwagon (Malaysia has mentioned becoming a biodiesel hub), but this is not very different from setting up an oil hub, which Singapore has successfully done.

Sources:http://www.singaporeangle.com/2006/10/energy-security-for-small-island.html

Tabitha Chiam

Global Warming

Definition~

What is global warming? it is the observed and projected increase in the average temperatures of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. It is a phenomenon, which has been on the rise but in the last century, the increase has been rather alarming. The average temperature of the atmosphere has risen by 0.74-0.18 deg. celsius during the last century. Studies have shown that this increase was due to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.

Problem~

One of the main problems in the world is the negative effects of shifting cultivation. In the process of shifting cultivation, the burning of trees is required. This causes an increase in temperature and greenhouse gases(produced during the burning) as well as forest fires which can lead to haze. The haze produced in turn travels to other countries like Singapore and can cause health problems. The main country which shifting cultivation is implemented is Indonesia.

Solution~

Malaysia used to have shifting cultivation. However, it was banned after the government realised its bad effects. This ban caused many farmers to lose their jobs as shifting cultivation was their 'life'. However, the Malaysian government was able to make up for this through alternative employment(solution). They also aimed to preserve their country's virgin forests and beautiful mountains. The farmers took up the roles of tourist guides as they knew the area well. Thus, all was well. However, this solution did not work in terms of implementation for Indonesia. Why is this so? Well, the natives in Indonesia were used to shifting cultivation and so they were unable to give up their jobs. The government thus have to sent down officials whom are passionate about saving the ecosystem to convince the natives about the above solution.

Tabitha Chiam^_^

With many thanks to...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Definition-for-Global-Warming&id=538535

My own knowledge

parents

Hydroponics

To be honest, this project did not involve much work. The only part which needed much attention was the planting. As this project was hydroponics, we did not need to water it daily, so we left it alone for it to grow. We did not check on it often, but luckily we received moderately good results. The kang kong and spinach could be harvested and the cucumber even produced flowers! Unfortunately, our chilli is still a small plant.

Tabitha Chiam

Bollywood farm

After our visit to the aeroponics farm, we made our way to our second destination: Bollywood farm. Before we set off on the tour, our guide told us to hydrate ourselves and to use the citronella leaves on the floor as mosquito repellent, which I thought was extremely cool! With that, we set off on the tour. We saw many plants like the mimosa tree, moringa(drumstick) tree - contains 4.5 times more calcium than milk, hibiscus - used for cosmetics and shoe polish, banana tree - leaves used to make plates with edible fruits, flowers and stem. Wild pepper can also be used as fritter and it has medicinal properties, the starfruit can be placed on the wound to stop bleeding. Fun fact about bananas: If they point down, they are inedible!( so cool!) All in all, the trip was enjoyable.

Tabitha Chiam

Aeroponics

In the beginning, we watched a video about aeroponics in order for us to gain more understanding about the project. Mr Lee Sing Kong, called the 'king of aeroponics', explained to us, in the video, about the process of growing plants using this unique method. According to what I have learnt, the root system is plays a crucial part. The roots are suspended in the air in order for it to receive plenty of oxygen. Water sprinklers produce mist which contain a lot of minerals for the plants to absorb. The water comes from a well which is 3m deep. This method enables the plants to grow faster, cutting short half the normal time for plants which grow in soil. It also saves 90% less water and is high in nutrients as they refrain from using chemicals. During the trip, we visited 4 (open) out of the 25 greenhouses. These greenhouses take up to 50+ hectares of space. The plants are also sheltered for protection against insects. Some examples of vegetables that are grown using aeroponics are: Kailan, Cai xin, basil and xiao bai cai. The farm also came up with a juice called lettucino. It consists of kiwi, lettuce and lime juice.

Tabitha Chiam