“When someone curious explores the intertidal zone and observes a small flower crab – (a creature) we so often just associate with food – go about its day or learn how to reuse everyday materials creatively, people feel part of the (wider ecosystem),” he said.
“That feeling often drives longer-term changes in behaviour.”
FINDING HOPE IN SMALL VICTORIES
Ultimately, the numbers today still tell a sobering story.
Singapore’s inaugural climate rally in 2019 drew around 2,000 people. In its second edition in 2023, that figure had dropped to 1,400 – a decline the SG Climate Rally organisers said was in line with a worldwide downturn in climate activism.
“Globally, we see participation in climate strikes has also gone down compared to what we saw in 2019,” a rally spokesperson told CNA TODAY.
Part of the reason: increased volatility in the world today.
“There’s just a lot more going on in the world right now,” said the spokesperson.
“The economy is bad, and for young people, the focus is on cost-of-living and whether they can get jobs.”
The group has no plans to hold another Singapore climate rally in the near future, preferring to focus on its usual advocacy work through social media and smaller events, unless an urgent issue emerges.
“Most people think that the impact of climate change on them is still far away, hence we understand if it’s lower on their priorities,” the spokesperson said.
“But we will continue our work in trying to convince them that climate change is impacting us now, particularly the most vulnerable.”
It’s a reality that could discourage even the most committed advocates. Yet for Ms Kong, Mr Toh and others, the glass is half-full – with each of them finding little things that keep them motivated in their advocacy.
Ms Lim the ecologist said she finds hope and optimism in “small wins”, be it news of a breeding programme for an endangered animal succeeding or watching other climate activists overseas kickstart initiatives.
For Mr Chan of The Untamed Paths, nature itself serves as inspiration: “Intertidal life … is endlessly resilient. These creatures survive daily extremes of fluctuating heat, decreased salinity, and strong waves.
“That resilience reminds me that nature can bounce back, if we give it the chance,” he said.
