Capítulo 2. Marco teórico Detección de fugas
2.5. Características de los sistemas de detección y diagnóstico de fallas
Nature has always been portrayed as a gift to mankind, and is seen as something we should treasure and appreciate. However, as the world progresses at such a rapid pace, the perception of nature in many countries has changed: once seen as a blessing, nature is now viewed as something disposable, and often, even something to be exploited or harnessed for some sort of practical gain. In a country like Singapore, where land is scarce and resources limited, the notion of conserving nature and its beauty is still of great importance, but it is only valued to the extent that it does not hinder but instead spurs economic growth and brings value to our nation.
In Singapore, there have been considerable efforts by the government to protect our natural environment. The presence of well-maintained nature reserves, parks and green areas such as reservoirs proves that Singapore does indeed value nature and is willing to pour resources into conserving it. There are also existing organisations such as the Singapore Environmental Council (SEC), which oversees our local environment, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which ensures the welfare of the animals in Singapore. It would be ludicrous and naïve to believe that the sole, genuine purpose of the government in such efforts is merely to preserve nature. In actual fact, it is a ubiquitous view that the Singaporean government, consisting of intelligent leaders who have produced a globally recognised “economic miracle”, would defi nitely keep in mind the economic gain that the act of preserving nature can potentially bring to Singapore. Nature reserves such as the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve are developed and maintained for the primary purpose of attracting tourists and maintaining our image as a nature-loving, environmentally-friendly nation. Furthermore, the conservation of nature in Singapore also has much educational value. Besides tourists, many of the visitors to the nature reserves in Singapore are students who are brought there to study the fl ora and fauna. Yes, it is undeniable that nature is valued and hence protected, but it would be more accurate to say that it is valued only to the extent that it brings practical gain, in this case educational or economic worth to society.
Some may defend Singapore’s seemingly pragmatic and inauthentic treatment of nature by arguing that the fact that Singapore is willing to expend funds and sacrifi ce precious land space for the sake of nature, regardless of the real intent, is commendable in itself, and could even be even considered a great feat for a resource-limited country like Singapore. Yet, these supporters have failed to look at the bigger picture and realise that the amount of money and resources spent on conserving nature is peanuts compared to the large amounts of time, effort, labour, land and fi nancial resources that have been channelled towards other projects that are more economically profi table. For example, the cost of setting up the Integrated Resorts works out to be a rather sizeable fi gure, but the government had no qualms about building it despite some expression of disagreement by the public, due to the fi nancial returns it would bring. As compared to such economically viable areas, what is spent on conserving nature is nothing. Therefore, comparatively speaking, our country values nature to a small extent.
When determining the extent to which nature is valued in Singapore, analysing the efforts of the government is insuffi cient; efforts by the government in valuing nature will be stultifi ed if Singaporeans do not also treasure the value of nature. Admittedly, there are notable incidences where Singaporeans have demonstrated their dedication and passion for nature. This includes nature activists such as those who petitioned against the capture of a blue whale to be held captive for public viewing, as well as those who fought adamantly against the destruction of Chek Jawa. Even young people have stepped up and started to advocate environmental causes, for instance, the protection of wild monkeys in local parks and reservoirs. While these individuals should be applauded for their signifi cant contributions to the natural environment in Singapore, it is unfortunate that a large proportion of Singaporeans do not share a heart for nature, or at
least do not show it in their daily lives. Having grown up in a highly pragmatic, individualistic and materialistic era, the value of nature has diminished for many, and many Singaporeans have a natural propensity to put themselves over the environment, and disregard the consequences that their actions may have on nature. This is elucidated by the amount of litter scattered across beaches and within canals and drains in Singapore, which has caused much pollution that is detrimental to nature. Apparently, Singaporeans in general are apathetic towards nature and thus, with the exception of certain groups of people, most do not perceive nature as something of value. On the whole, it is an indisputable fact that nature is valued in Singapore by the government and also by individuals. However, this only holds true to the extent that valuing nature does not pose an obstacle to economic success, and can instead be of pragmatic use to Singapore. Also, currently, nature is only valued by a few individuals; the vast majority of Singaporeans have shown otherwise. In a fast-moving nation like Singapore, there is perhaps a greater need to appreciate and value nature not just for its potential benefi ts, but more importantly, as part of our home, Mother Earth, and seek to champion more environmental causes and translate our concern for nature into concrete actions to preserve the beauty of nature.
Marker’s comments:
Brenda, this essay shows that you don’t have to write an excessively lengthy piece to do well. Your arguments show logical development, balance and maturity of thought from start to fi nish. Keep it up!