With the enhanced greenhouse effect and human factors, it is, unfortunately, true that saving the Great Barrier Reef may be impossible ("'Now or never' to save Great Barrier Reef: Scientists"; ST Online, May 19).

It is painful to see that despite all the discussions on climate change, there are still people who fail to recognise the significance and severity of the situation.

We may think that the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef does not concern us. Can anyone bear to bid farewell to a vibrant, colourful natural wonder of the world that is teeming with marine life and ecology?

Geographically, Singapore is an island-state. When sea levels rise, due to the melting of the polar ice caps, Singapore will be severely threatened.

We may think that we, as individuals, are incapable of bringing about a significant change. But we can learn more about the natural world around us and do whatever is within our means to fight climate change.

United States President Barack Obama has said: "We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so will betray our children and future generations."

It is time for us to step out from our walled environments and use our intelligence to do whatever it takes to make Earth a better place.

If not, no one but our own children will blame us for global warming.

Kyle Ooi Ting Kai, 18,

Year 2 junior college student