Working copy of JPL Climate Change: Singapore

Climate Change In Singapore

Impact 

Sea level rise 
Rise in sea level poses immediate threat to low-lying Singapore. Much of the nation lies only 15 metres above the Singapore Height Datum with about 30% less than 5 metres. 

Water resources 
Weather variability challenges the management of water resources. Drought affects the reliability of water supply, while sudden intense rainfall overwhelms drains & leads to flash floods.

Biodiversity & greenery 
A mean temperature increase of 1.5°C to 2.5°C affects the natural diversity of plants & animals at risk, as this alters ecosystem’s natural processes such as soil formation, nutrient storage & pollution absorption.

Public health 
Most cases of vector-borne diseases like dengue are observed during warmer periods of the year. Frequent & severe warm weather leads to more heat stress & discomfort among the elderly & sick.

Urban heat island effect
Urban areas tend to be warmer as natural land cover is replaced with buildings & infrastructure. Higher temperatures lead to heat stress & greater use of
airconditioning, increasing energy demands which results in higher carbon emissions.

Food scarcity
Climate changes such as intense storms, flooding & prolonged droughts threaten food security. Singapore is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global food supply & prices as more than 90 per cent of food is imported.