Focusing on the climate crisis, a local science teacher turned content creator takes action to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on marine life, particularly coral bleaching, through her educational platform ‘Just Keep Thinking’ on Instragram and TikTok.
Picture this: diving into clear, blue ocean waters off the coast of Singapore, only to find a stark, barren underwater landscape, devoid of the vibrant colours typically associated with coral reefs. This is the harsh reality witnessed by Ms Kong Man Jing, an environmental science graduate and former science teacher, who was appalled by the sight of coral bleaching in Singaporean waters back in 2016.
Healthy corals are known for their stunning array of colours, originating from tiny algae living inside them. However, due to warming waters, a direct impact of climate change, these beneficial algae are expelled, causing the corals to lose their colour and turn ghostly white, hence the term ‘coral bleaching’. But it’s not just about the aesthetics. These corals are also essential for sustaining marine life as a source of food and protecting against coastal erosion.
As Ms Kong explained to The Straits Times, “We cant be like those frogs. So we must do something about this now. My generation and the generations after me will be suffering the brunt of climate change, and so it is imperative that we understand the urgency of the situation.”
Recognising the urgency, Ms Kong took her passion for education online. Through her science and education channel, ‘Just Keep Thinking’, she provides bite-sized sustainability education videos, gaining a significant following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But how do these videos contribute to saving our planet? “We cannot protect something we do not love, and we cannot love what we do not know. So that’s what I’ve set out to do – educate people through powerful storytelling,” she said.
The world experienced record-breaking heatwaves in Asia, North America, Europe, and China in 2023, serving as a grim reminder of the imminent climate crisis. With coral bleaching serving as a harbinger of the crisis, the need for collective action on climate change has never been greater.
Equipped with this cause, Ms Kong, along with 35 other young Singaporeans, will be attending the COP28 climate change conference in 2023, aimed at fostering participation from youth, women, and indigenous peoples. Regarded by many, including Ms Kong, as the most important climate conference of the year, COP28 provides a significant platform for our eco-warriors to ensure their concerns and ideas are heard on the global stage.
One striking example of Ms Kong’s impact is her video addressing intertidal etiquette. Tidal pools, found along our coasts, are home to a wide range of sea creatures. However, they can be easily disturbed by human activity. Ms Kong’s video led to not only increased public awareness but also the introduction of informative signboards, guides, and voluntary patrol systems to protect these natural habitats.
As we move forward, it’s evident that empowering the younger generation and instilling in them a sense of urgency about climate change is paramount. Ms Kong’s efforts illustrate the impressive potential of youth in influencing sustainable actions, bringing about genuine change, and ultimately safeguarding our planet for future generations.
As she prepares for the robust discussions and experiences at COP28, she hopes her involvement will provide other young people with a clearer understanding of the critical discussions and actions taken to tackle climate change at an international level. So with these eco-warriors on the frontline of climate change, perhaps the future of our corals, and in turn our planet, isn’t as bleak as it seems?
