Your Voice: Moon water breakthrough, electronic devices in schools (long letters)

I am writing in response to the recent article about the innovative technique developed by Chinese scientists to extract water from the moon’s surface. To prepare for further lunar exploration, carefully considering such breakthrough opportunities and potential dangers is essential.

The ability to extract water from the lunar surface could be a game-changer for future space missions. Water is essential for sustaining human life, providing hydration and vital resources for fuel and oxygen.

With a reliable source of water, we can maintain human health during extended lunar missions or even establish permanent settlements. As Nasa mentioned, the moon could be the site of future colonisation by humans. This is a giant leap towards this goal.

Utilising lunar resources would reduce the need to transport water from Earth, making space exploration more sustainable and cost-effective. By heating hydrogen and oxygen extracted from the soil to allow for the production of water, the water and oxygen can be used to grow food in lunar greenhouses.

This capability would enable a self-sufficient food supply for astronauts. Ultimately, this development could facilitate a long-term human presence on the moon, transforming it into a viable base for missions to Mars and beyond by serving as a crucial refuelling station for interplanetary journeys.

Scientists from China invent technique to extract water from the moon’s surface

However, it is also crucial to consider the ethical implications of lunar resource extraction. As we venture further into space, we must ensure that our pursuits do not lead to the exploitation of celestial bodies, degrade the lunar environment or compromise the integrity of scientific exploration. We should be particularly mindful of the lessons learned from the Earth, where global warming and the over-reliance on fossil fuels have had devastating impacts. We want to avoid carrying those unsustainable practices and outcomes into outer space. Astrobiologist Dr David Grinspoon noted in his book, “We have a chance to get it right this time and ensure that we are responsible stewards of other worlds.” He advocates for a proactive approach to sustainability in space, suggesting that we have a unique opportunity to establish a precedent for responsible exploration.

Such advancements can lead to a race for resources in space, potentially overshadowing collaboration. Taking the competition among other space projects as an example, companies like Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries have plans to mine asteroids for precious metals and resources, leading to competition over who can establish rights and technologies first.

This race raises questions about the legal frameworks governing space resources, as current treaties need to define ownership clearly. This competitive environment could lead to conflicts over territorial claims and resource rights. Without a framework for cooperation, the potential for disputes over resources like water and rare minerals could escalate, amplifying tensions among nations. By prioritising collaboration, we can ensure that space exploration benefits all of humanity rather than becoming a battleground for competing interests.

Alice Chiu, Pope Paul VI College

In recent months, the topic of electronic devices in schools has been a hot-button issue, with some countries like Finland banning their use altogether. As a concerned citizen of Hong Kong, I wonder if our city’s schools will follow suit and implement similar restrictions.

On the surface, the argument for banning devices seems compelling. After all, we’ve all witnessed the scourge of students glued to their screens, mindlessly scrolling through social media or gaming when they should be focused on their lessons. The constant distraction can’t be good for their learning, and there is a valid concern that overreliance on technology stunts crucial social and interpersonal skills.

But then I stop and think – isn’t technology an integral part of the world my generation is inheriting? In an age where digital literacy is paramount, shouldn’t we embrace the educational potential of devices rather than shunning them? I remember when I first started using a tablet for research and note-taking in secondary school – it allowed me to access a wealth of information at my fingertips and organise my work in ways that I simply could not with pen and paper.

And let’s not forget the accessibility benefits that technology can provide. For students with disabilities or special needs, devices can be a vital tool for overcoming learning barriers.

Enlarging text, utilising text-to-speech functions, or collaborating on shared documents can make a world of difference. Banning devices outright could inadvertently exclude these vulnerable students from reaching their full potential.

Of course, I recognise the valid concerns about device addiction and the potential for distraction. But couldn’t these issues be addressed through more nuanced policies and digital literacy education rather than a blanket ban? Perhaps schools could implement guidelines around appropriate device usage, designate “device-free” periods, or teach students healthy tech habits. The goal shouldn’t be to vilify technology, but instead, it should be to empower students to use it responsibly and productively.

Hong Kong parents struggle to control their children’s electronics use, survey finds

After all, the reality is that our world is becoming increasingly digitised. Preparing students to navigate this landscape effectively is crucial for their future success. Should Hong Kong’s education system be at the forefront of this digital transformation rather than falling behind?

I can’t help but think about the implications for our city’s competitiveness on the global stage. If we fail to equip our students with the technological skills and fluency they will need, how can we expect them to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven job market? Banning devices could inadvertently put Hong Kong students at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other countries.

The solution lies in a balanced, nuanced approach. We shouldn’t be afraid of technology in the classroom but embrace it while teaching students to use it responsibly. With the right policies, guidelines, and digital literacy education, we can harness the power of devices to enhance learning without succumbing to the pitfalls of overuse and distraction.