PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTH.SG

Six reasons why you need to start paying attention to global warming

If you think that the effects of global warming will not affect Singapore, think again.

Vinny Chiam

Published: 22 February 2016, 3:48 AM

There is no doubt that the weather in Singapore is getting warmer and warmer. And as it continues to get hotter, the consequences of global warming are getting increasingly undeniable.

Here is a list of six ways that global warming is affecting us.

1. Diseases

DENGUE FEVER HAS BEEN ON THE RISE SINCE 2014.
PHOTO CREDIT: CURTIS PALMER VIA FLICKR

As the climate becomes warmer, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever will likely increase as well. Mosquitos reproduce faster in warm and humid conditions and the consequences of them increasing rapidly are fatal. Bzzzz..

2. Ecosystems

ANIMALS OR PLANTS MAY BECOME EXTINCT DUE TO THEIR HOMES GETTING DESTROYED.

Global warming can change the climate very dramatically. And if Earth continues getting warmer, certain animals or plants that are not able to adapt may become extinct in the near future. An example would be Polar Bears – the rise in temperature means that the Arctic ice is rapidly melting and food for the Polar Bears is disappearing fast.

3. Sea levels rising

THE TEARS OF ALL SINGAPOREANS IF ORCHARD ROAD BECOMES FLOODED. AGAIN.

For Singapore, an island that is low-lying and surrounded by water, rising sea levels pose a real threat. Flooding can lead to a loss of habitats for not only animals but plants as well. Closer to home, this means more frequent flash floods, similar to the ones at Orchard Road in 2011.

4. Warmer weather

THE WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE EVEN HOTTER IN 2016.
PHOTO CREDIT: VIA YOUTUBE

Singapore is an urban area; this means that it is extremely vulnerable to the urban heat island effect. In Singapore, most of the island’s natural greenery has been replaced by buildings and concrete which retain heat (which is what causes the urban heat island effect).

This means that our temperatures will rise even more, leading to an increase in cases of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke, which can be fatal. The young, elderly and sick are especially vulnerable to this.

5. Food security

WATCH OUT, SEAFOOD LOVERS! GLOBAL WARMING CAN CAUSE ALL YOUR FAVOURITE DISHES TO BE GONE.

Not only can climate change lead to extreme weather, it can also cause crops to be destroyed. In Singapore, where a majority of our food supply such as fruits, meat and seafood are imported, we are extremely vulnerable to food shortages.

6. Smog and haze (again)

WILDFIRES MEAN WE WILL BE GOING BACK TO A PSI OF 300 AGAIN.
PHOTO CREDIT: VIA WIKIMEDIA
Rising temperatures increase the risk of wildfires happening, especially in dry areas. This would mean poorer quality of air for us, and this is especially dangerous for the young, elderly and sick.

While it may seem impossible, every effort that we make to reduce the effects of global warming is worthwhile, such as doing things like turning off the lights when not in use and using our own water bottles and Tupperware instead of disposables.

We are only able to help if we do our part and take responsibility for our actions.

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