Essay idea: Globalisation - Loss of Biodiversity in Singapore

a.  Description of a situation

Globalisation contributed to the rapid development of Singapore, whereby deforestation had taken place, in exchange for urbanisation. The loss of forest canopy would result in the loss of homes and habitats, and ultimately the loss of Singapore's biodiversity. Though it is apparent that the Singapore government have been protecting its remaining forest, by transforming them into nature reserves; there are plans in discussion that threatens Singapore's biodiversity, namely the downtown line, which would be build underneath several green areas.   

b.  Identification of a problem

Globalisation > Deforestation > Loss of Biodiversity in Singapore


Loss of Biodiversity > affects water, soil formation and protection, pollution breakdown and absorption, climate stability, extinction of species. 
Singapore
What individuals can do in general:

c.  Description of a solution

Singapore government will have to make the decision whether the upcoming downtown line project will indeed outweigh the cost of losing more forested areas. Individuals are limited to signing a petition.  

- Be good to our climate because other species are not so adaptive to the changes brought by our massive emission of green house gases (using public transport, reduce air-conditioning)
- Do not buy bad souvenirs that are made from skin, fur, bone, shell, beak, or hooves of an endangered species. 
- Save the world's forest by buying good wood, those that are from sustainable legal sources or recycled wood.

d.  Evaluation of the solution
Since the people's opinions has limited influence on the government's decision, partly due to Singapore's political situation, the focus should then be on the spreading of awareness, regarding the importance of biodiversity and educating Singaporeans on the various individual efforts. These individual perceptions have to be taught and cultivated from young, in order to achieve the maximum effectiveness. The individual solutions are achievable, however, time is needed to inculcate the perception that biodiversity is of significant importance. Thus, it will be a long process.

e. Thesis / Intro
Thesis: The loss of biodiversity is a significant issue resulting from Singapore's urbanisation, in becoming one of the world's most globalised cities.

Introduction:

The loss of biodiversity is a significant issue resulting from Singapore's urbanization, in becoming one of the world's most globalized cities. By the end of the 19th century, Singapore, a country with an urban population of a hundred percent, had become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia. Even till today, the rapid development has never been at a standstill with the constant introduction of new commercial, residential, recreational and transport developments. With Singapore being a land-scarce country, urbanization comes at the price of either land reclamation or deforestation, with both being threats to Singapore’s biodiversity; however, the focus of this paper would be on the latter. Though it is apparent that the Singapore government have been protecting its remaining forest, by transforming them into nature reserves; there are plans, such as the downtown line, which will be build underneath several green areas, threating Singapore's biodiversity. This paper would be examining the consequences in the loss of biodiversity, as well as highlighting and evaluating the three solutions individuals can adopt at their own discretion.