The 2006 movie “An Inconvenient Truth” opened our eyes to the dangers of climate change. This month, Keppel Land is helping to bring its sequel to Singapore, where the effects of man-made pollution and climate change will take the form of soaring temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather on our already tropical island. Here’s what you need to know about climate change, how it could affect you, and how you could fight it.
Hotter, wetter, more extreme
If you think Singapore’s hot now, you might want to prepare yourself for the worst. In 2015, the Centre for Climate Research Singapore painted a dire picture of life in the country if we do nothing to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
"By 2100, temperatures could soar to a blazing high of 36.7 degrees Celsius, with every day between February and May exceeding 34.1 degrees Celsius!"
Such scorching weather could increase the risk of heat stress and stroke. The amount of rainfall during the year could also deviate more wildly, resulting in more flash floods during the monsoon season from November to January, and prolonged dry periods at other times, especially in February, already the driest month of the year.
Be a force for good
What can you do to help bring about a better future?
Well, you could start with your grocery shopping. Make a shopping list, bring a reusable bag to the supermarket for your purchases, and buy only what you need to reduce waste. When you’re washing dishes or clothes, use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water, to save the energy needed to heat the water.
While you’re at it, have a look at the appliances in your home and see if you can switch to more energy-efficient ones. Taking public transport instead of private cars will also dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
Small, seemingly inconvenient actions like these, undertaken by individuals, neighbourhoods, communities and organisations, can add up to create a big force for good for the environment. Set a good example and inspire others to join in the fight against climate change too.
Join the #beinconvenient movement
2017 also marks 10 years since Keppel Land set up a dedicated committee to help it achieve a set of sustainability targets. Through these targets, Keppel Land has reduced water and energy use, and waste, in its corporate office and properties.
Furthermore, Keppel Land has committed itself to six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better future.
These include SDG 13, to take urgent action against climate change, and SDG 17, to help strengthen the global partnership for sustainable development.