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Scientists Say S’pore Will Experience Hotter Days In 26 Years Time If Nothing Is Done

Zhi Hao

2019-07-06 , 12:00 pm

Thought the last few days have been exceptionally hot?

Well, you haven’t seen the worst of it.

According to TODAYonline, Singaporeans could face temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius…

As early as 26 mere years later.

Scientists Say S’pore Will Experience Hotter Days In 26 Years Time If Nothing Is Done

Thought I was joking in the introductory paragraph?

Well, I wish.

According to TODAYonline, by 2045, Singaporeans could face some days of the year when temperatures soar as high as a sizzling 40 degrees Celsius.

Incidentally, this hot ass scenario can be delayed only until as late as 2065 onwards, and that’s the best case scenario. This was according to simulations done by a team of scientists at the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, which is part of the Meteorological Service Singapore.

2045, on the other hand, would be the worst case scenario should greenhouse gases emit at this ongoing rate.

“It (days of 40°C) won’t be a one-off event. There’ll be some days starting from as early as 2045. And that’s what we saw in the results. Some models are later. And so that’s why we tend to give a range (that is) as early as 2045, possibly, or as late as 2065 onwards,’’ said Dr Muhammad Eeqmal Hassim, a senior research scientist at the centre.

The scientist’s warnings come after a recent four-day heatwave swept Western Europe, during which at least seven people perished. Scores of fire burned some 550 hectares (5.5km²) in the country’s southern region and ruined several houses and vehicles.

Our neighbours, Malaysia, too was gripped by its own heatwave in the middle of March. As many as 10 areas were alerted when the mercury hit maximum temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.

The dry spell also saw water levels at several dams straying near critically low levels.

How will it affect Singapore?

A chart compiled by Professor Ed Hawkins of Reading University’s Department of Meteorology, that shows average temperatures in Singapore from 1901 on the far left to 2018 on the far right. Blue signifies cooler temperatures and red warmer temperatures. Image: TODAYonline

As depicted in the illustration above, the average temperatures in Singapore have increased rather significantly in the span of 118 years, from 1901 to 2018. On average, Singapore’s temperature has increased by 0.29°C over the past four decades.

And it’s affecting Singapore as well.

According to Dr Eeqmal, Singapore’s experiencing “heavy rain events that are not only more intense but more frequent”.

Minimum temperatures are increasing as well.

“One of the signs of global warming is that nighttime temperatures are increasing as well. So people are getting less relief.”

“We are getting into a new temperature regime.”

Warming temperatures can lead to more dengue mosquitoes being bred as well.

Meanwhile, on a more global scale, climate change is causing faraway glaciers to melt, and the consequences are being seen here. Sea levels are also reportedly rising, and warmer oceans translate to fewer coral reefs, which will, in turn, affect food supply.

What can we do?

While climate change might be a notion that’s too vast for everyday people to grasp and tackle on their own, there are other practical ways for you and me to practice, in order to contribute towards a healthier atmosphere.

For example, something as simple as converting to LED lights isn’t just more cost effective but energy efficient as well.

Turning your air-con’s thermostat up to 25°C or 26°C, instead of 22°C, reduces the amount of electricity required for cooling as well.

People should endeavour to reduce flight trips as well because aircraft generate a lot of greenhouse gases.

Reducing meat consumption by half would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Under this mitigation scenario, our daily average temperature would only reach up to 29 or 30°C by the end of the century, which is what we are currently experiencing, and something we can tolerate,” said Dr Eeqmal.

And while it will be undoubtedly hard, I can’t help but wonder about the near future.

Will we be content with the next generation suffering, for our ‘sins’?

Scientists Say S’pore Will Experience Hotter Days In 26 Years Time If Nothing Is Done

Scientists Say S’pore Will Experience Hotter Days In 26 Years Time If Nothing Is Done

How will it affect Singapore?

What can we do?

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