What’s Happening, Everybody?
Here’s something interesting: Today is apparently World Television Day.
And.. you are probably wondering, what’s the purpose of such a day? Well, according to the United Nations (UN), the day was first established in 1996 to recognise the role of television in “bringing world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues”. Simply put, it was a day to commemorate television as a mass communication tool (of that era).
Although most of us now derive our news and entertainment from the Internet or social media platforms like Youtube, it is still nonetheless meaningful to remember the television as their predecessor. Because without the invention and widespread usage of television networks, I highly doubt any of the social media founders would have been inspired to make video content more accessible and convenient for all. At the very least, it was the necessary first step to introduce the world to the power of communication and information technology.
So, yes, never look down on the television and those who still continue to enjoy them. Happy World Television Day!
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THE FISHES 🐟
These are primarily news articles, opinion pieces or videos related to the world at large. They will keep you sharp and witty, like the real fishes that weave through the sea.
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the COP26, just ended recently. Like most other international conferences, it is a hot topic amongst political analysts. But unlike any other conference, the COP26 is also an extremely important one since it deals with our climate and environment. So for this week, let’s take a look at some opinions written about this conference and the future of our battle against climate change.
For a start, 📖 Read:
What Is Cop26 And Why Does It Matter? The Complete Guide (11 mins, Guardian).
Was Glasgow Pact A Win For Climate? Time Will Tell - Because as always, world leaders will need to follow up with more conferences and negotiations (3 mins, Channel NewsAsia).
From New Zealand’s Minister of Climate Change - Yes, COP26 Could Have Gone Further – But It Still Brought Us Closer To A 1.5C World (3 mins, Guardian).
Climate Hype Might Be the Ticket to Decarbonization - Because perhaps the world just needs the theatrics to keep the momentum going (7 mins, The Atlantic).
Some, however, do not think that simply relying on the commitments of 195 world leaders will be enough - Want to Save the Earth? We Need a Lot More Elon Musks (7 mins, New York Times).
CRISPR and the Climate - Another example of how technology is the path forward to reaching our goal of a sustainable world (7 mins, Foreign Affairs).
THE FISH FEED 🦐
The Singaporean version of THE FISHES 🐟 (news articles, opinion pieces and videos). In a world of "Big fish eats small fish; small fish eats shrimps", THE FISH FEED 🦐 will keep you well-informed of issues related to this tiny island, or should I say "shrimp".
Since we are on the topic of climate change and the environment, let’s keep up to date with Singapore’s sustainability efforts.
First up, 📖 Read:
What’s Singapore’s scorecard at COP26? - Although Singapore has yet to set a firm deadline for its net-zero emission target, it has defined a clear pathway to achieving it (4 mins, Channel NewsAsia).
But it’s not just the government working on this - Singapore Youth Give 18 Recommendations For Tackling Environmental Crisis (4 mins, Straits Times).
The Price of Going Green: Are Sustainable Products Affordable in Singapore? - Unfortunately, they’re not. But we can change that (6 mins, Rice).
And when it comes to energy concerns, some might ask - Should Singapore Build a Nuclear Power Plant? (6 mins, Kopi.co).
Lastly, some of the latest initiatives include:
Transparent Recycling Bins Piloted At HDB blocks (2 mins, Straits Times).
Generating Electricity From Food Waste At East Coast Lagoon Food Village (3 mins, Straits Times).
The Restoration Of Coastal Forest In Labrador (3 mins, Straits Times).
Geothermal Energy As A Potential Source For Power Generation (3 mins, Channel NewsAsia).
THE AQUATIC PLANTS 🌿
Just like how aquatic plants revitalize the ecosystem of an aquarium, self-help related articles are shared by Jquarium to strengthen your mental fortitude.
For this week, 📖 Read:
People-Driven Learning - A different way to learn (4 mins, Perell).
Since we’re in the midst of the exams season - How To Perform Well Under Pressure (20 mins, Psyche).
Or if you are feeling overwhelmed - 📺 Watch: Productivity Is For Robots! Here's How To Stay Human (15 mins, TED).
PH LEVEL CHECK 🌡
A set of short reflective questions for you to check on your emotional well-being. Remember, an aquarium that is too alkaline or acidic (toxic) will cause your fishes to fall sick.
For this week, ask yourselves:
What else have I not completed on my list of new year’s resolutions?
It’s not too late to work on it!
THE LIGHT 💡
A quote to light up your week, to keep your fishes warm and the plants growing.
Lastly, we have a quote from the American psychotherapist and author, Sheldon Kopp.
You are free to do whatever you want. You need only face the consequences.
I hope you have enjoyed this week’s issue of FRESHWATER🌊. If you like what you read, do give me a like, comment on the post, or share it with your friends! If you have any feedback or suggestions on how I can make the newsletter better, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email. This newsletter will always be a work in progress.
Looking forward to sending you the next issue.
~ Jquarium