Charting Our Energy Future

In the 21st century, as we hear the constant ringing of alarm bells shrieking the dangers of climate change and global warming, as we hear about an ex-US vice president and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) win the Nobel peace prize for "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change", we see the emerging efforts of entrepreneurs (both social and non-social), multinational companies, organizations and governments synergize to be part of an ever-growing industry of clean energy and clean technology.

Cleantech is a term used to describe knowledge-based products or services that improve operational performance, productivity, or efficiency while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste or pollution. Its origin is the increased consumer, regulatory and industry interest in clean forms of energy generation—specifically, perhaps, the rise in awareness of global warming and the impact on the natural environment from the burning of fossil fuels.

Even the year 2007 has seen the Singapore government allocate $350 million dollars for research and development, test-bedding and pilot projects in Clean Energy. Mr Lim Siong Guan, Chairman EDB (Economic Development Board), said, “The decision to focus on the Clean Energy industry comes at a very opportune time. The Clean Energy industry is experiencing robust global growth due to rising energy demand, climate change concerns and technological advances."

Yup, ladies and gentlemen, green is the new black. In a handful of words, our organization, Energy Carta, driven by a passion for clean energy, energy policies, sustainable development and climate-change concerns, works to create a sustainable platform that will connect various industry stakeholders with students and the grassroots, engaging the next generation of leaders, and presenting clear career opportunities to them in the process.

In the words of our colleague Valerie, "We here at Energy Carta believe that proliferating the economic and environmental reaches of clean energy is a way to change the global situation on a macro level. Many organizations are doing an excellent job in encouraging people to develop greener habits. However, beyond an individual's daily habits, Energy Carta aims to let students see the immense opportunities in clean energy in Singapore and in Asia. That they can make a difference not just in their daily lives but on a professional level as well."

Well, as I end our initiating post, I must say that Energy Carta does have a long and rough journey ahead, so just keep your seatbelt tight as I hope you would join us in charting our energy future.