Singapore’s UV index hit ‘extreme’ level 12 on the afternoon of 27 March 2024. As the island grapples with soaring temperatures and negative impact on the tourism industry, eco-artist and environmental activist Teresa Teo Guttensohn highlighted the triple crises that the planet is facing, and urged the hospitality students of SIT to heed the urgent call to take individual responsibility to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
At the sustainability talk, guest speaker Teresa shared on the focus and aim of Cicada Tree Eco-Place to promote biodiversity conservation and to help protect our precious natural heritage for future generations. To fight extinction, the organisation advocates for the protection of critically endangered native wildlife as well as threatened wildlife habitats.
All wildlife are interdependent. Conserving local biodiversity and maintaining intact eco-systems is the best way to sustain genetic diversity that is critical for the long-term survival of all species on Earth.
Campaigns initiated include Save the Pangolin (2010), Chained to Our Roots (22 June 2013) and Love Our MacRitchie Forest (2013) movement to appeal for the realignment of the Cross Island Line (CRL), Save the Malayan Tiger (2014), and Save our Last Wilderness (2019) which saw the joint publication of local conservation books – Pang Sua Woodland: Sanctuary Unveiled Along the Rail Corridor (2021) and Alexandra Woodland: Haven Along the Rail Corridor (2022).
At the end of the passionate presentation, Teresa challenged each student to take eco-action. Several SIT students responded with personal pledges:
“I enjoyed the session as I learnt about how many wildlife species are becoming extinct as we face mass extinction caused by human activities. As I am interested in animals and their history, I would do my part to reduce my carbon footprint by taking public transport.” – Emily, 22yrs
“I think that the session was insightful. I learnt how people’s activities can really destroy biodiversity and the importance of sustainability with every small action. I will do my best to avoid disposal bottles and
use more reusable water bottles whenever possible so as to ensure that I’m doing my part.” – Rin, 21yrs“I learnt that in order to implement change, sometimes drastic action needs to be taken. I would be more conscious of my actions and follow the 3Rs!” – Fiq, 24yrs
“Thank you for the emotional talk! It’s sad to see that Malayan Tigers are on the brink of extinction and we need to save them. One eco-action I would take would be to always bring a recycling bag around.” – Nicole, 22yrs
“I have learnt about biodiversity loss and the amount of endangered species, and how human activities potentially have a negative impact on the environment. An eco-action I would take is to reduce the use of plastic bottles and don’t takeaway food as it is quite achievable for me to do.” – Bryan, 25yrs
