Your Voice: The mystery of sleep and climate change apathy (short letters)

We all get tired and require rest. But what exactly is happening in our brains while we sleep? Scientists had not fully answered this intriguing question until now.

When we sleep, our brains actively work to store and organise our memories from the day.

Scientists conducted an interesting experiment involving children aged two to three years old, dividing them into two groups. Both groups were taught the names of objects. Then, one group played energetically while the other took a restful nap.

The following day, the group that had played did not remember any new words, but the napping group was able to recall the names. This experiment helps us understand that sleep can significantly deepen our memory.

In 1964, a remarkable 17-year-old named Randy Gardner broke the Guinness World Record by staying awake for an astonishing 11 days.

But he did not remain completely awake; he experienced what is known as a microsleep, falling asleep for just a few seconds. It occurs when someone has been awake for an extended period, and their brain desperately needs rest.

We all need to prioritise good, restorative sleep.

Your Voice: Let students sleep, promoting environmental initiatives (long letters)

Li Luo-tong, PLK Tang Yuk Tien College

Climate change is no longer a distant warning of what’s to come. It is an active, unstoppable force disrupting lives and ecosystems: record-breaking wildfires devouring forests, catastrophic floods submerging cities, and heatwaves claiming lives and straining infrastructure.

These events are not occurring by chance but are symptoms of a planet constantly destabilised by rising emissions. Yet, despite mounting evidence, a dangerous complacency persists, severely slowing our progress.

Climate change apathy can stem from being overwhelmed, misinformation or the false belief that individual efforts do not matter.

Because of this, governments delay policies, corporations greenwash and individuals shrug at calls for change, thinking the crisis is too vast or distant. Meanwhile, future generations are left to inherit a destabilised planet.

Without collective action, global temperatures will continue to rise, worsening extreme weather. We must combat climate apathy by adopting sustainable habits, demanding bold environmental policies and educating ourselves.

Ultimately, framing climate action as a moral imperative and opportunity is crucial. The time to act is not tomorrow – it’s today.

Bonnie Yip Lam, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

A recent article about the sharp drop in early exit rates at elite schools in Hong Kong resonated deeply with me. It is encouraging to see fewer students leaving these institutions, which reflects a growing recognition of the value of quality education.

Many students in Hong Kong feel pressure to excel academically, but this shows that more families are choosing to stay committed to their educational journeys.

However, I cannot help feeling a mix of anxiety and hope.

The competitive atmosphere at our schools often makes it challenging to enjoy learning. We are constantly preparing for exams and striving for high grades. While the increased government support is positive, I believe we need a greater focus on mental health and well-being.

I appreciate the opportunities available at our schools, but I wish for greater emphasis on creativity and personal growth. It is essential for students to feel valued beyond their academic achievements.

Overall, this news gives me hope that we can create a more balanced educational environment, fostering resilience and ensuring that students’ voices are heard in shaping the future of education in Hong Kong.

Your Voice: Hong Kong’s shrinking economy and redefining failure (short letters)

Jasmine Chau Hiu-Yu, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School

When walking in Hong Kong, it is common to see smokers gathering around a bin or in a corner. Whether smoking should be banned has always been controversial; some despise the putrid smell of cigarettes, while others consider it their right.

The fact is smoking does harm and no good. Scientific research shows that tobacco leads to increased risk of cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions.

Moreover, the inhalation of second-hand smoke has dire consequences on the human body, including middle ear disease, exacerbated asthma and slowed lung growth. Smoking does not just put the health of smokers at stake but also that of those around who are innocent.

Each year, discarded cigarette butts cause severe fires. And those who become addicted to cigarettes spend an inordinate amount of money on them, whether they can afford it or not.

It is difficult for young people to resist the temptation when it seems everyone in the city is carrying a cigarette around. Other drugs are banned. If a tobacco deterrent policy were introduced, we could all work together to keep cigarettes at bay.