Rachel’s Blogs

Water is something which I think most of us take for granted.

We drink it, we bathe in it, we swim in it, cook… and the list goes on…

It IS an essential part of our every day lives, and without it we would only last a few days.

Globally TODAY reports show that in the region of 1.2 billion people go without drinkable water.

Looking around this year’s Singapore International Water Week, the number of statistics as to why we should be more careful with this precious resource were startling.

Water scarcity..

The world maybe two thirds covered in water, but according to the UN the percentage of global population living without water will increase from 8% in 1995 to 42% by 2050.

So when you go home tonight from work, or get up to make that drink after you’ve read this blog, have a think – where is your water coming from??

The Singapore pavilion at this year’s international water week was some 5 times larger then last year.

And the city state has been attracting huge international players to develop water technologies such as desalination and waste water treatment.

Massive numbers of MOU’s and deals have been signed.. will be signed and are in discussions to be signed at the water week to push the industry forward.

Desalination and waste water treatment along with membrane technology – along with technology to reduce energy consumption were the hot topics this year.

To be honest, observing the technology available to convert waste water into drinkable water is quite astounding, and really a mile stone.

But I’m interested to hear your thoughts on waste water treatment and security?

One issue raised during a debate I attended today was a current concern in Australia over the quality of waste water treatment and medical/pharmaceutical chemicals being extracted from the water – do we know the long term consequences?

Considering that by the Changi Newater plant will contribute some 15% of Singapore’s water needs by 2010.

An industry representative responded to say that they were confident in the in-depth research and trials that had been undertaken to develop the technology, and to be honest….so am I, both in-terms of combating the global problem of water scarcity and quality challenge.

Not to mention that companies are pushing forward research to reduce energy consumption by as much as 50%.

So the big players and governments are doing their part.

And there are little things we can do to.. ie. switch off tap when brushing teeth etc…

Random fact: A recent report by Schroders highlighted that 85% of our brain is made up of water, so think now because you won’t be able to without it. J

It’s been a pretty exciting week in all, CommunicAsia, and Water Week just around the corner.

CommunicAsia was abuzz with eye tech candy, I really did not know where to look.  The mobile providers of course were competing for the loudest and the most exciting stalls.

And of course, each showcasing their latest offerings.

For this weeks Eco Ventures.. I ventured out to find out how businesses are doing just the opposite… and staying put to cut costs and carbon emissions.

Today I had my first telepresence experience AND drove around mapping the streets of Singapore – so drivers like you can find your way to places faster with less hassle.

Navigational mapping has seen a boost in recent months with the number of new devices which contain mapping and gps applications increase, especially smart phones.

And for drivers, I suppose if you can take a shorter route and cut costs and emissions… why not?

When it comes to cutting costs and carbon emissions, I can see why telepresence is a feasible and economic solution.  It saves travel costs… and time spent abroad… and yes cuts carbon emissions.  Which is great considering you can have multiple country meetings without leaving the office.

To be honest sitting in the room, you do get that meeting vibe.

During the interview which was conducted over telepresence I heard a phone ring.  Looking around the room, I soon realised it was coming from my interviewee sitting opposite me… all the way in Hong Kong.

In the last few weeks… quite a substantial number of companies have brought up the topic of eco or carbon auditing – where they are checked not only on a financial basis but as to how much carbon and energy they can save.

Using technology such as navigational mapping and telepresence can help contribute to that, and at the same time if it can help to cut costs why not.

I have to say looking at the carbon credit market and carbon trading it can all seem a little cloudy.. certificates.. deals.. trades.. prices..  CDM’s..  COC’s.. CRC’s.. seeing CCCCCCCCC’s??? Me too..

Most governments too are .. well.. seeing carbon emissions!!

Basically in its simplest form, carbon trading from my understanding under a cap and trade scheme -allows for companies who exceed their emission allowance to buy or trade brownie points in carbon form from companies that have either – not used all their carbon allowance or earned additional points for doing good eco deeds.

The Koyoto protocol aims to reduce carbon emissions with legally binding commitments to its member countries– but with the target date set at 2012.. some have questioned the future of carbon trading – following the deadline.. countries will no longer have the pressure to reduce carbon.. or will they.

Discussions in Copenhagen climate change conference at the end of the year are expected to broach the topic.

I suppose at the end of the day the big question is.. will carbon credits REALLY cut carbon emissions, and harmful gas pollution.. or is it just allowing for big corporations to buy their way out of carbon trouble while others do the eco leg work?

In my opinion I think while some companies may take that approach.. in the long run with the amount of initiatives and incentives governments are proposing to individually cut carbon emissions.. some good carbon karma is going to rub off..

And already some industries are setting targets of their own.. the aviation industry for example has set reduction targets as well as trial new technologies to cut emissions.

So for the moment , while carbon trading may not be on the top of most businesses priorities.. it is apparent that increasing numbers of businesses are looking to cut carbon emissions with or without caps as issues of environmental sustainability grows.

So what are your thoughts on carbon trading???? yes or no???

From eco friendly candles.. to washing machines.. to homes.. to air conditioners.. to clothes.. you name it…

Most products one way or another ALL seem to be ‘going’ green – so isn’t it about time we did to?

But what does it actually mean to go green?

I think it’s encouraging that increasing numbers of governments and companies are finally ‘doing their bit’, and waking up to the growing reality of climate change and the global populations massive dependence on fossil fuels.

They are the ones after all that hold our product purchasing power in their hands.

Globally cars are one of the highest emitters of carbon emissions with their fuel guzzling tendencies.

You’ve got to hand it to Barack Obama’s two bird with one stone approach to create a more environmentally-aware car industry in the US.

Obama’s new bill not only cuts the amount of emissions used by vehicles – but also encourages US and I suppose global car manufacturers to change their design mindset… to a more eco-conscious level.

I believe it’s really regulation that not only gets the wheels in motion – but also speeds up the pace.  I mean, sure a few companies have been testing the waters.. but now the heat is on.

That’s not to say the US is the only one taking action, quite the contrary – the US is just one part of an ever growing pie.

When researching on the first segment of Eco Ventures – which discusses green/eco friendly vehicles… I was shocked… and greatly excited at the sheer number of countries introducing targets and initiatives to boost green vehicles – and pumping in billions of dollars into research and development.

Companies too in an effort to keep up and hop on the band wagon are setting goals, and increasing R&D into the sector.

There are a number of eco-friendly options available when it comes to green vehicles, electric… hybrid.. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)… biodiesel.. and potentially even solar.

But the question I felt compelled to ask… are consumers really tempted to get behind the wheel, and take one home? Are YOU really tempted to drive one down the road?

One of the car sales people I spoke to said that at the moment there is just not the push, encouragement, information, and I suppose initiatives, here in Singapore for  consumers to firstly know what is available and secondly the financial incentives to go out and take home what is available.

This isn’t the case throughout Asia though – with some car makers in Japan seeing huge pre-sale orders for hybrid or eco-friendly vehicles and even significant double digit growth in sales on year – despite the downturn.

But let’s just be frank about this for a sec..

There are a number of factors to consider.. First there is the additional costs behind green vehicles, which most governments are looking to buffer by offering tax incentives when a green vehicle is bought.  But is it enough?

Then there is power… are green vehicles really as powerful.. do they give the same kick.. and can you feel the full throttle when putting your foot down and zipping down the highway?

But saying that, even eco friendly race cars have been brought to the lime light.

So my question to you… would you buy a hybrid… electric…. eco-friendly vehicle? IF so why… and are you passionate about saving the planet.. or pennies?

In my opinion… we have only reached the tip of the iceberg when it comes to green vehicles.. but with the amount of initiatives and investments.. it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a way of life.