# 5 Roundtable Discussion

Group 4 discussed around the issue that if using hybrid electric vehicles feasible for the mitigation of global warming. The supporting side presented their views that using hybrid electric vehicles is capable of mitigating global warming in a long term of period because hybrid electric vehicles is powered by two energy systems and the battery is charged by regenerative energy. It consume less gasoline compared with conventional cars, thus, making it possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save money, as well. The opposing side rebutted that for the fact that HEVs are not zero emissions, in order to mitigate global warming, only when HEV be adopted by a large population will it start to be of some effect on the mitigation. However, some disadvantages of HEVs make it difficult to be widely used. Due to the wealth disparity, the high initial cost blocks the poor outside the world of HEVs; charged by regenerative energy blocks freeway driver out, for there is much less braking chance when driving in the high way. In a nutshell, HEV is not a car that for everyone, therefore, it’s difficult to achieve the goal of mitigating global warming by using hybrid electric vehicles.

Group 3 debated on the topic that whether the brain scan technology should be regulated. The supporting side revealed their concern on the possible violation of individual privacy that will be caused by the lack of regulation for such technology. Apart from that, since the technology enables people to read minds, without regulation, it may be applied into immoral use. The opposing side argued that it will also be of problem if it is regulated by the government or other organizations. What’s more, as such technology is still under development, it is actually impossible to regulate. To turn it up, it is an ethic issue.

Group 2’s discussion was mainly focused on should Singapore support and promote green chemistry. In considering the factors like manpower, technology and economic resources, the supporting side stated green chemistry should be promoted in Singapore for Singapore has sufficient financial resources and research facilities to do this. While, the opposing side disagreed that as Singapore is small and not in the leading class in the world, he suggest that there is no need for Singapore to do the innovation and just need to borrow mature and successful experience from other countries.

Group 1’s topic was the most interesting one. They argued around the stem cell researches and applications. The supporting side believed that stem cell research will benefit patients who are in need of organ transplantation. The current condition is that it is often very difficult to find a suitable organ for a patient, with such technology, it will be possible to cultivate specific organs for certain patients and save more lives. However, the other side debated on the immoral use of this technology. The opposing side thought we cannot be so selfish to cultivate an embryo, a life and kill it for another life. There is no difference with murder.

# 4 Summary of Articles

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First Article:
Haresh Khemani (15th Sep, 2008) ,Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars.
Retrieved: 2nd Mar.2009, from
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mechanical/articles/4304.aspx

This article focuses on the disadvantages and advantages of Hybrid cars. In the first part of this article, as the fuel price increases, the author suggests using the hybrid cars because of its many advantages. Powered by two trains, the hybrid cars are more economy of fuel. Hybrid cars not only consume less fuel than conventional cars but also use regenerative energy to charge batteries. Apart from that, burning less fuel means less carbon dioxide emission, which is environmental friendly and contributes to global warming mitigation. What’s more, tough not for all models, some hybrid cars are entitled to exempt from taxes. Last, using hybrid cars will greatly decline the demands for nonrenewable energy sources. In the second part, she gives out the disadvantages of hybrid cars. By listing the price of hybrid cars, she points out that due to the high manufacturing cost; the initial cost of hybrid cars is so high that many people cannot afford it. Another disadvantage is people worry about whether the life of battery is as long as the car itself. On top of that, hybrid cars are not environmental friendly as most people expected because the manufacturing process do produce pollutions. Last, as a 12V battery is involved in the hybrid cars, people concerns that when collision happens the wires may be a source of danger.
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Second Article:
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Retrieved: 2nd Mar, 2009 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_electric_car#Hybrid_Premium_and_Cost_Parity

I read only the first part of this long article, which is the definition and brief introduction of hybrid electric vehicles. HEV is composed of a conventional combustion engine and an additional electricity storage system to achieve a better performance in fuel saving. In HEVs, batteries are charged from the heat of braking the car. First introduced by Honda and Toyota in the last few years of 1990s, hybrid cars are now viewed as the future trend of car development.
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