On 30th January 2009, 3 distinguished speakers delivered their presentations to hall full of undergraduates regarding global warming at NUS. The first speaker was Prof. Andrew C. Palmer, who is currently based in Centre of Offshore Research (CORE), Department of Civil Engineering of NUS.  The second speaker was Dr. Benjamin K. Sovacool; who is a research Fellow in Lee Kuan Yew's School of Public Policy. The last speaker was Dr. Rajasekhar Bala; Associate Professor from the Division of Environmental Science and Engineering of NUS. 

Prof. Andrew C. Palmer started his presentation by stating a list of factors that influences changes in policies around the world and pointing out that global warming is among the top priorities of policymakers around the world. He went on to suggest a strategy in tackling global warming that includes utilizing existing technologies and devising schemes with significant efficacy. Then, he identified several key sectors in tackling global warming such as improving fuel efficiency and carbon sequestering before emphasizing that it is possible that more than one key sector to be addressed to ensure the substantial improvement. Among these sectors, Prof. Palmer chose to explain carbon sequestering. At this point, he explained the details of carbon capture and storage, constraints involved if this method is adopted and some suggested solutions. He continued with a brief description on the option of geo-engineering before wrapping up his presentation with emphasis on the political will to make changes that has always hamper efforts in addressing global warming.

Associate Professor Dr. Benjamin K. Sovacool from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy explained on a systematic approach towards technologies known as Science and Technology studies. This systematic approach, as Dr. Sovacool shared, serves as a guideline in analyzing and assessing existing science and technologies economically, socially and politically. The adaption of this approach in designing plans to tackle global warming allows holistic assessment. By adapting this approach, details of plans that can be improved shall be promptly addressed. Besides, this approach allows glimpses into the complex network of technology, socio-economy and politics. Such opportunity in turn provides plausible explanations for the successes and failures of technologies. Dr. Sovacool presented two case studies as examples; the rejection of electric-powered vehicles and nuclear energy, two technologies that have the potential to change the course of efforts against global warming. He further explained that electric-powered vehicle lost out to its nearest competitor; gas-powered vehicle. Even though the technology of powering vehicles with electricity is now deemed years ahead of its time when it was introduced in the early 20^th century, gas-powered vehicles found their ways into the car market through clever marketing schemes. That technology failed to appeal to the masses and thus lost ground to rival technology, despite the higher ground it has. Another case studies presented by Dr. Sovacool was the adaption of nuclear energy. He cited list of plausible socio-economic and political reasons for the lukewarm response shown towards this form of energy.

Dr. Rajasekhar Bala begun his presentation by providing statistical data and scientific consensus on environmental issues provided by international environmental groups such as the IPCC. He elaborated on agents of global warming known as green house gases and their roles in global warming. He also mentioned the dire consequences of global warming if this issue is not addressed promptly with adequate actions. As an example, he highlighted policies adapted by the Singapore government which reflects her role in the battle against global warming, particularly Singapore Green Plan 2007 and Singapore Green Plan 2012.

Among all three speakers, I found that Dr. Sovacool's presentation was the most intriguing and thought-provoking. His points were clear and easily comprehended but convey messages that condense the essences of environmental preservation efforts. I was able to realize the inadequacy of conventional approach towards mitigation efforts through the two case studies presented. The shortcomings mitigation efforts may not lie in their technicalities but perhaps other aspects that I think are often overlooked. I realized that any mitigation effort needs to be economically and technically feasible, socially acceptable. Political wills may determines the fate of mitigation efforts too among the aforementioned aspects. The complex network of technologies, mitigation efforts notwithstanding, commands holistic mitigation plans so that the efforts can succeed.