High speed economic activity and demographic shifts, especially in developing countries have shaken nature’s delicate balance. Uncontrolled intervention in ecological systems degrades them and increases the likelihood of environmental disasters. There is indubitably a strong need to increase consciousness about these pressing problems.
Compounded by extreme weather events, environmental disasters seem to be increasing in severity and frequency, so much so that these days, they are numerous enough to be categorised – agricultural, air, land, water, industrial, biodiversity, human health, mining, oil, nuclear, and the list goes on.
Typical responses to these catastrophes are reactive in nature, and millions of dollars in international and local aid tend to pour into the disaster area. This is definitely a good thing, but more important in the long run are proactive efforts of understanding and preventing the occurrence of these cataclysmic events.
Parallel to its programmes for formal education, the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) is introducing the “Greening Penang Initiative” to mobilise members of the public to do their bit to preserve the environment on this beautiful but industrialised island.
Below is an interview with Datuk Boonler Somchit, CEO of the Penang Skills and Development Centre (PSDC) and an ecologist by training, on this initiative.
