June Holiday Homework ari shawn

  Some may argue that we should set aside more land for nature reserves as it creates a balance between natural and man made reserves. With rising amount of infrastructures being built it Singapore, we are seeing much less greenery as compared to the past. The United Nations Environment Program states that:" The negative impacts of tourism development can gradually destroy the environmental resources on which it depends." Therefore, this strengthens the need to set aside more land for nature reserves before it is too late to even do so. However, I feel that keeping the land for more infrastructure will benefit the country more as it will attract more tourist to Singapore and in turn result in more economic returns. If more land is saved for infrastructure, more places for tourists attraction can be built and these places would attract more tourists to come to Singapore. Singapore would also earn more money from the increased influx of tourist to Singapore. Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran said," On the one hand, there is the promise of significant long-term opportunities. On the other hand, we must contend with periodic fluctuations caused by uncertainties in the global economy, adverse developments in key source markets, growing competition in the region and domestic resource constraints." This shows that tourism will have a positive effect on Singapore in the long run and if saving space for infrastructure would increase tourism in Singapore, it will help boost Singapore's economy and would definitely benefit our country. Therefore, I disagree that Singapore should set aside land for nature reserve.

Land for reserves, yile teckweng

I think Singapore should set aside land for nature reserves. It is important for our precious and unique flora and fauna to remain protected, so that our heritage is conserved and citizens can continue to appreciate our nature. According to the Straits Times, "going through a tract of primary and secondary forests would do irreparable damage to a pristine habitat nestling around our reservoirs". As a result of human disturbance to habitats, many animals and plants may be unable to adapt to the changes and may perish, therefore these species may decline in numbers. Critically endangered species unique to Singapore such as the Banded Leaf Monkey and the Sunda Pangolin face great risks of extinction, in which case Singapore would lose a portion of our natural heritage. Ultimately, cutting through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve has long-term impacts such as losing our natural heritage which results in the future generations unable to appreciate it, hence Singapore should set aside land for nature reserves. 

June Holiday Homework karwai yingjia

In our opinion, we agree with the statement that we should set aside land for natural reserves as it helps to protect the animals in the wild from being endangered. The nature reserves provide us with more fresh air and the homes for the animals. We could also go there for recreational purposes. However if LTA wants to build tracks using all the land that can be used for nature reserves, the impact to the nature is great. For example, by going through a tract of primary and secondary forests, the Land Transport Authority would not only do irreparable damage to a pristine habitat nestling around our reservoirs, but it will also be rendering up to 4km of the 50km rail project void of patronage and revenue. This shows the detrimental impact that LTA will create for the environment if they build the Mrt lines. Without nature reserves, there will be no shelter provided for the animals and may endanger them, therefore land should be set aside for nature reserves. 

Painting grass green by JOEL & Jinyi

Link to article   
Summary:
Workers from Chengdu's municipal landscaping department were caught painting the grassy roadsides with a fluorescent green spray called "Top Green Turf Greening Agent". The landscaping department dyed the grass in an attempt to make China look beautiful amongst the smog and pollution.  The "Greening Agent" is just a green dye and has been sold to the Chengdu government for the past five to six years. The dye lasts for 10 to 14 weeks and is not washed away by the rain.

Opinion:
I am amazed at the willingness of Chinese officials to go to such extreme lengths to beautify their country. I believe that the Chinese should stop resorting painting images of themselves as a great nation and to instead take actions to change their country for the better. Instead of spending money on upgrading facilities and improving the lifestyles of the Chinese, the government has instead spent money on projecting images of a beautiful nation to tourists. The Chinese should stop making their country artificial and make efforts to improve it naturally.