How does Climate Change affect us?

Climate change is not just a global problem, but a local one too. Every Singaporean should be concerned, since with increasing climate change, Singaporeans could experience:

Hotter days and nights	More frequent heavy rainfall
*Source: Meteorological Services Division, NEA

Higher food prices

A confluence of factors has resulted in increasing food prices. First, climate change is believed to have brought about higher permanent incidences of adverse weather conditions. This has affected major food producers such as the US, UK, China and Australia, lowering their agricultural production at a time when global inventories are extremely low. There is also a more permanent increase in demand from Asia, as richer populations in China and India are switching to a higher-protein diet. Competition from the biofuel industry has also resulted in many crops being diverted away from the food market. These developments will underpin prices in the medium term.

Last but not least, climate change may lead to the resurgence and spread of infectious diseases.

Fight Climate Change

All of us contribute to climate change every time we switch on an electrical appliance such as the air-conditioner, the TV or the lights. That is because our power plants generate the electricity we use in Singapore by burning fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) which is a greenhouse gas. Excess CO₂ traps more heat from the sun via the greenhouse effect, causing climate change.

We can all do our part to help fight climate change by taking the 10% Energy Challenge! Reduce the electricity used at home by 10% by taking a few simple steps. Reduce CO₂ emissions, help the climate and save hundreds of dollars a year!