Global Issues Network.
Such a meaningful title for a club
that is passionate about solving the issues that affect everyone. Poverty, lack
of education, digital divides, global warming, natural disasters – you name the
issue, and I assure you – GIN members worldwide are making an effort to raise
awareness and funds to make a difference in the world.
I’m the new communications director of our club, so I have
insight to the different activities, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns that
are planned. We have an action committee and a planning committee that each
break off into their own subsections and meet every Thursday at 9:30 am. One of
the big first steps we are taking is organizing a guest speaker series; Mr.
Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization, has the honor of initiating
this exciting venture. He’s probably one of the few people in the world that
passionately take global action to improve sanitation; he is based in Singapore
and we’re extremely excited to have him talk to our school on April 5th.
In the action committee, we have groups that are dedicated
to helping the disabled and neglected and even one that is attempting to make
restaurants in Singapore more eco-friendly. One of the newer committees is the
environment one, in conjunction with 350.org. 350 is a global grassroots movement
that attempts to unite people worldwide in getting carbon dioxide levels
back to the health 350 parts per
million. It’s a unique, truly global venture as 181 countries have pledged allegiance
to 350.org. I was shocked to not find Singapore
on the map of committed world citizens. SAS is now proud to announce the first
350 chapter in Singapore. I really hope 350 continues to grow, working with the
environmental club at our school (SAVE),
as we all walk on the receding path to a more sustainable future.
I recently wrote an article for the Singapore American
newspaper on 350: http://www.aasingapore.com/singapore-american-newspaper/
. Click on the March edition and on page
9 is my article.
Here’s an excerpt:
Extreme weather. Dying species.
Rising water levels. Acidic oceans. Choking city air. Take a look at the
headlines that have made news in 2012 and this first month of 2013. What do
these mean? Why is it so important that we look at these short phrases that
summarize the world’s ecological and environmental state right now and feel a
sense of dread? The answer is simple. The world needs our help and we need to
respond soon. There are so many places to start. You can take a stab at saving
the endangered arctic fox or simply monitor the length of time you leave your
lights on. No action is insignificant. Whether good or bad, every step you make
in this world does leave an impact. Students
sometimes wonder how we can do our part and whether it will meaningfully and
positively affect this small part of the world. But with organized networks
that extend their hands to passionate people worldwide, like the Global Issues
Network (GIN) and 350.org, we can find the support we need to share ideas and
make a difference in this world.
Another quick reminder: Earth hour. Do your part at 8:30 pm tonight.
Visit http://www.earthhour.org/ for
more information on how you can help.
Happy weekend to my
fellow environmental enthusiasts!
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