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Neptune Reclaims His Throne Over the years, the sea has slowly but steadily disembowelled the artificial beaches in East Coast Park (ECP). Those running the length of West Coast and Pasir Ris Park (photo right) are suffering the same fate. While artificial beaches are taking an obvious beating |
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from King Neptune for rudely violating his sea-domain, there are some
lessons on global warming and environmental impact that can present
themselves here. Here are some prodding questions for the ecological-mind: Are we witnessing the effect of sea-level rise due to global warming too? What exactly is global warming? How does it affects the sea? Are there seemingly harmless lifestyles and habits that you and I have that are contributing to global warming? Is global warming a far-fetched idea or something that affects us directly as a result of our actions? How fast are ECP beaches eroding anyway? Are there ways to measure it? What are breakwaters and why are they built? Are they effective? What is the annual cost of repairing the artificial beaches, for example, in East Coast Park? Won't the recurring cost escalates astronomically in the indefinite future? Have you ever wondered how important our natural beaches are? Or how long the entire global coastline is? Have you ever considered the inter-tidal plains (and the fringing seas and coral reefs) as one of the richest biomes playing a critical regulatory role in supporting life in the deeper seas and oceans? That it benefits the entire earth-system consequentially? How familiar are you with marine creatures in Singapore's water? Can you see how destroying natural beaches (no matter how small they may seem) adds up very quickly to mankind's own demise? Do we not depend on nature for survival? Won't the earth be less fit for living if we continue to foul up the sea? What would you do, as a discerning citizen, if you knew how a local natural beach is going to be reclaimed (and destroyed) for so-called 'beach improvement'? Finally, ask yourself: Where did all the sand in our artificial beaches come from? Imported from a neighbouring country? Given the huge amount required, could it be so difficult to imagine how such an acquisition would have involved sand-mining of natural beaches somewhere else and destroying them in the process? The next time you venture onto one of our artificial beaches, say a little prayer. A very heavy environmental price has been paid upfront for your enjoyment. Maybe finding the answers to the above questions will help you make a rational stand for the marine environment. May I invite you to read Mute Fingers -- a poem lamenting the suffering seas and much worse... the erosion of the human spirit. |
Read a poignant
article about protecting Indonesia's environment:
Sand in your face, smoke in your eyes and a fistful
of dollars
By JULIA SURYAKUSUMA in Jakarta