I refer to the commentary by Ms Tessa Oh, “Gen Y Speaks: Climate change is one of humankind’s ‘gravest challenges’, but is everyone on the same page?” (Aug 20).

The Government is right in making budgetary provisions and rolling out systemic solutions to deal with the climate crisis. But the biggest challenge is the mindset of our people, not just that of the older generation.

I do not think there is a consensus or commitment that we need a total shift in our mindset to tackle climate change.

By contrast, during my two-week break in the United Kingdom this month, I could see how the fight against climate change has become part of the culture.

A friend in Glasgow said she was eating less meat to ease the burden on the planet. Even a tour guide in the Highlands took time to proudly explain why Scotland can now rely on wind energy.

In London, most straws used in restaurants were made of paper.

The recycling channels and processes were also far more detailed even in the little towns, such as the Falklands. People are given more information on what happens to their trash to help them decide.

The hotel where we stayed in London talked about how it gets its honey and tomatoes from its own garden, how much energy it tries to conserve, and how it seeks to ensure full reusability of its food waste and toiletries.

For Singapore to engender a consensus among its people on the threat of climate change, an equivalent of a Total Defence programme for climate change is necessary.

For a start, we need to list the existential threats to family, business, living environments and security. We should also spell out how each of us will be affected by climate change, and how we need to shift our mindset and band together.

We must start an existential conversation, just as we do national security and defence.

Over the years, Singaporeans have come to accept the importance of National Service in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

I would venture that the Government could also look into forming an institution akin to National Service that requires some commitment of time and effort from Singaporeans to fighting climate change, since it poses an existential threat to the nation.

We should also commemorate our own Climate Defence Day — perhaps on Oct 31, the day Marina Barrage opened in 2008 — to bring the need to combat climate change into the national consciousness.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Lawrence Chong is group chief executive officer of Consulus, an innovation and design consultancy.

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