Eunice
February 25, 2025

The Objective: To what extent are science and technology able to solve the problem of waste disposal?

GCE A-Level General Paper Essay Question:

To what extent are science and technology able to solve the problem of waste disposal? (GCE 2024)

Question Analysis:

- ‘science’ → research, evidence-backed, deliberate study and exploration of the topic

- ‘technology’ → gadgets / tools / devices to solve problems

- ‘solve’ → address / resolve / mitigate / ameliorate the issue

- Global context

- Point of Contention (POC): ‘able to solve’ / ‘not able to solve’

- Proposed Stand: Able to solve but there are other factors required

Legend:
SV = Supporting Viewpoint
OV = Opposing Viewpoint

Bold = Complex vocabulary / Useful vocabulary phrases

*Disclaimers:

Written mostly based on memory of what I wrote when I sat for the GCE A-Level General Paper examination in 2024. I have added some great examples in this post though there wasn’t enough time to write all of it during the examination. I have also used ChatGPT to furnish certain examples but the essay is mostly in my own words.

Each paragraph is further broken down to improve readibility.

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Sample Essay

Introduction

The advancement of science and technology has led to significant paradigm shifts in various aspects of our lives. From enhancing production efficiency and diversifying product offerings to improving consumer convenience and accessibility, these innovations have greatly benefitted society. However, whilst science and technology have solved numerous problems, they have also inadvertently created new challenges—one of the most pressing being environmental degradation, particularly the massive accumulation of waste. Hence, critics may argue that scientific and technological solutions, such as deliberate investment into investigating the issue and improved waste management techniques, can effectively address this issue. Nonetheless, I contend that these solutions alone are insufficient as a more comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is necessary—one that involves government intervention and greater consumer awareness.

(OV1)

Critics may argue that scientific research plays a crucial role in alleviating the waste disposal crisis by providing evidence-backed studies on the devastating impacts of waste creation and dumping. Indeed, the study of environmental issues, such as pollution from consumer and industrial waste, serves as compelling impetus for companies to develop more efficient methods of utilising raw materials.

Studies have shown that the textile industry, in particular, is a major contributor to waste, generating approximately 92 million tons of textile waste annually. In an era dominated by fast fashion, this figure is unsurprising. Additionally, around 60 per cent of clothing is made from synthetic fibres like polyester, which do not biodegrade and contribute to microplastic pollution in the oceans.

To combat this well-researched crisis, European companies like Reju and Syre are investing in Research & Development (R&D) to pioneer chemical recycling processes. These innovations break down polyester into its chemical components and reassemble it into high-quality polyester that can be continuously recycled. By keeping materials that would otherwise have been discarded within the production loop, these methods significantly reduce waste.

Although further advancements are needed to scale these efforts, it is undeniable that scientific research provides the bedrock for such technological breakthroughs. Without it, environmental challenges would persist unchecked.

(OV2)

Critics may also argue that science and technology play a crucial role in mitigating the waste disposal crisis by developing more efficient methods of eliminating waste altogether. In a hyper-consumerist world, waste generation is inevitable, and if left unchecked, its accumulation would perpetuate severe environmental issues.

Recognising this, countries like Singapore have implemented state-of-the-art incineration plants that adopt environmentally friendly waste disposal methods. These plants use advanced flue gas treatment systems to remove harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides before emissions are released into the atmosphere.

Furthermore, these facilities generate electricity from waste, contributing to the country’s energy supply, thereby effectively killing two birds with one stone.

Whilst not without flaws, such as the release of trace pollutants, it remains undeniable that scientific and technological advancements have significantly improved waste management. These methods represent a pragmatic approach to reducing waste while simultaneously creating economic and environmental benefits.

(SV1)

However, despite the significant strides made by science and technology in improving waste management, I argue that these advancements are limited by several factors—one of the most critical being the need for strong government intervention. Effective government policies are essential to manage the environmental impact of waste disposal on a national scale. Many countries advocate for a zero-waste, circular economy, where instead of relying on incineration to destroy materials, the focus is on improving recycling and upcycling processes. In this manner, it extends the lifecycle of materials and keep them in the production cycle. Unfortunately, despite scientific and technological advancements, efforts to achieve these goals often fall short.

The United States (U.S.) for example, has a highly fragmented recycling system. Different regions enforce varying recycling rules, leading to confusion among consumers. Certain cities may accept a broad range of materials, while others accept only specific recyclables. Additionally, recycling collection methods differ across these cities—single-stream recycling, which combines all recyclables into one bin, often leads to contamination, whilst dual-stream recycling, which separates paper and containers, requires more effort from consumers. As a result of these inconsistencies, only 32 per cent of waste is recycled in the U.S., lagging behind other developed nations.

This situation is further exacerbated by the lack of extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws where manufacturers are not held accountable for the disposal or recycling of their products. Consequently, this leads to the accumulation of excessive packaging waste and difficult-to-recycle products, which only adds to the waste crisis.

Indeed, it is a popular idea to engage in practices related to a zero-waste, circular economy and adopt new technologies. However, the lack of uniformity and efficiency in the implementation of a nationwide waste management strategy on both producer and consumer level demonstrates that shared consensus and commitment are crucial to bring this idea to fruition. Thus, for waste disposal and management issues to be effectively addressed, government oversight and regulation must play a pivotal role in shaping and enforcing uniform recycling systems and holding producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products.

(SV2)

Lastly, consumer awareness plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of waste disposal. Whilst it is well-documented that the manufacturing industry significantly contributes to waste, it is equally important to recognise that supply is driven by consumer demand. As such, consumers must take responsibility for their consumption habits and adopt pro-environmental practices to reduce waste. By embracing recycling and upcycling, consumers can extend the lifespan of products rather than discarding them prematurely.

At the community level, various volunteer-led initiatives in Singapore aim to educate residents on repairing electronic devices and mending clothes, reducing unnecessary waste disposal. For instance, some community groups organise repair workshops that teach individuals how to fix household items, thereby minimising waste generation and promoting a culture of reuse. In addition, educational institutions play a key role in fostering sustainable habits from a young age. At Chongzheng Primary School in Singapore, students are taught to use food waste digesters to convert discarded food into compost. This helps to combat food waste using the latest technologies while instilling environmentally friendly values.

Globally, countries with high recycling rates have successfully cultivated a culture of sustainability. In Japan, citizens meticulously sort their waste into recyclables and non-recyclables, ensuring that materials are properly processed. In South Korea, a pay-as-you-throw system charges residents based on the weight of their waste, discouraging excessive waste production and promoting mindful consumption.

These examples highlight the importance of individual and community efforts in waste reduction. Even though improving waste disposal technologies is necessary, it primarily serves as a reactive solution rather than a preventive measure. Ultimately, fostering sustainable consumption habits at both the individual and societal level is essential to effectively addressing the global waste crisis.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, whilst science and technology have played a pivotal role in addressing the environmental crisis of waste disposal, they alone are not enough to fully resolve the issue. A diverse-strategy approach is essential—one that involves governments, businesses, and consumers working together to implement sustainable solutions. The goal to protect our planet is undoubtedly an uphill battle, but it is far from impossible. Investing in sustainable practices today will surely yield lasting benefits for future generations. With collective effort and commitment, I am certain meaningful progress can be made.

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