MOST executives are sufficiently aware of the effects of global warming but are likely to feel that they are unable to do much as most of the carbon dioxide emissions comes from big industrial countries like the US and China. However, a small island country like Singapore cannot escape the effects of global warming, especially rising sea levels. As such, businesses should know that every effort, however small, helps in countering the effects of global warming.

On the other hand, consumers need to realise that they also have a role to play. Consumers can change their consumption patterns to favour products and processes that are more environmentally friendly. In this way, businesses will be forced to react to their changing consumption patterns.

Thus, I think more effort should be directed towards increasing the awareness of consumers rather than businesses. In this regard, government agencies and consumer associations can take the lead through exhibitions, radio and television programmes and the Internet to highlight environmentally friendly products which consumers can buy.

Wee Piew
CEO
HG Metal Manufacturing Ltd