# 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.