Reflection on Tutorial Three- Tragedy of the Commons

This is an interesting tutorial session. It is the first time we care given the opportunity to bring in external views and information provided by the students from The Australian University (ANU). The students from ANU share a same set of questions for tutorial and we can exchange ideas with them. However, there is a lack time in the administrative and students from both sides are not in time for discussion. 

Having said that, my fellow ANU partner is extremely helpful! I told him that I need to write a reflection for the tutorial and he provided me with whatever he could even when the destinated tutorial slot was already over. I am really thankful to have such a cooperative partner as I have heard from members in the class that some of them did not get a response from the ANU students. 

Looking at the things written by my partner, I get the idea that people in Australia take the nature environment highly as their commons. I may be generalizing but this is just a feeling a get from his responses. He takes the sea and parks as commons. 

The sea is a resource that is open for all to use, not only the general public but also to nations. It is a place where much of the food we eat comes from. On top of that, the sea provides people with an outlet for leisure and recreation.

 Sea sports

It is also a place that links countries together. Interesting enough, I have never thought of the sea as a commons. My responses are pretty internal. I use the corridors of HDB flats as an example. This may be something uncommon for the Australia but it is nothing special or significant to the locals. 

Furthermore, my partner is also very proud of the National Parks in Australia, as well as the Australians. In Australia, areas of natural bush land has been set aside as an area for everyone to enjoy. Famous examples include Kosciusko and Kakadu national parks. He mentioned that the cleanliness of the parks depends strongly on the visitors. Most people limit the amount of rubbish and are active in keeping the place clean. They are aware of the impacts of their actions on the environment, thus conscious in preserving the environment at least at a local scale. 

After looking at the responses made by my partner and that of the members in tutorial, I notice a difference between Singaporeans and Australians. Australians have high regards for the environment and are careful in their actions and awareness. They know that every little efforts count to affecting the beautiful place they are living in. On the other hand, Singaporeans lack the positive initiative to play a part in preserving the environment. Even the least like throwing a litter into the rubbish bin(which can be seen every few meters). For instance, there is a bin every three to five meters along the walkway next to Clementi MRT station and yet, litters can be seen. 

Isn’t this ironic that the government is spending so much to locate so many bins all around Singapore and at the same time spending to have cleaners clean up the city.