SEA grapples with extreme heat

Extreme Heat - A Public Health Issue All of us need to become familiar with new metrics like the heat index and wet bulb globe temperature which incorporate factors like humidity and direct solar radiation. I wrote about this previously here - https://lnkd.in/gNsXg6mV See also this post by the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council on the risk of heat stress, especially for those doing manual outdoor work. https://lnkd.in/gbBvMwpW Not only is 2023 possibly going to be the hottest year on record, it is very likely that 2024 will be worse as the full effects of El Nino take place the year it first appears. "Asia remains in the grip of a blistering heatwave, chiming with predictions from climate scientists that 2023 could be the world’s hottest year. In an ominous sign ahead of the northern hemisphere summer, an emerging El Nino weather pattern is pushing the mercury to unprecedented levels in southern parts of the continent. Vietnam reported its highest-ever temperature of 44.2 deg C over the weekend, triggering power shortage warnings, while Laos also likely broke records. The Philippines cut classroom hours after the heat index reached the “danger” zone, reflecting the potentially deadly combination of heat and humidity. The scorching temperatures follow a pattern of increasing extreme weather in recent years that’s sending the world into uncharted territory. The sweltering conditions are testing the ability of governments to protect public health and also to prevent major disruptions to agriculture and power generation in economies that are still recovering from the ravages of Covid-19."

It might not feel like it in Hong Kong today but Asia is on the front lines of the extreme weather that is sweeping the globe this year, causing school closures and evacuations, my Bloomberg colleagues have reported: https://lnkd.in/gBF2cBgc

To anybody who still doesn’t believe in climate change and global warming – look around! ? Countries in #SoutheastAsia continue to “grapple with blistering heat amid reports of record temperatures and cases of heatstroke that further add to signs of extreme weather changes”. ? 1. #Singapore posted its highest temperature in 40 years at 37 degrees Celsius on Saturday (13 May) and the National Environment Agency expects warm and dry conditions to continue. ? 2. The Ministry Of Health, Malaysia (KKM) reported as many as 14 heatstroke cases as at Friday, including one that led to the death of a child. The Malaysian government expects the number of victims to increase given the hot weather which will likely run through August. ? 3. In Thailand, where millions of voters headed to the polls on Sunday, meteorologists have been tracking temperatures of as high as 45 degrees Celsius, but the heat index – which measures what the temperature feels like due to humidity – reported that the resort island of Phuket could feel hotter than 54 degrees Celsius. ? 4. Vietnam reported its highest ever temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius early this month, and the Philippines cut classroom hours after the heat index reached the “danger” zone. ? 5. In #Indonesia, the Sukoharjo regency in Central Java has reported record temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius, and residents are frying quail’ eggs in a pan and letting them cook under the sun. ? Across Asia, people are dying, crops are failing, asphalt is melting, and power grids are straining under the surge in demand. ? Scientists warn that 2023 will likely be another year marked by dangerously high temperatures, and that "signs of strain are emerging across Asia as the heatwave that started in April continues to blast through the region, following a pattern of increasing extreme weather caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere". I hope the heatwave gets better soon, and will be showing up for all my meetings without a jacket in the meantime. But, in all seriousness, what can we, as the global business and investor community, do to address climate change? ? I have included, in the comments, links to a selection of articles by The Associated Press, Bloomberg News, CNA, and The Straits Times. ? Photo of Marina Bay on the hottest day in Singapore in 40 years, by me

Wet Bulb Temperature: Unmasking the Silent Killer in Heatwaves ???? I want to shed some light on a little-understood but extremely significant concept, particularly in our era of intensifying climate change: Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT) ??. In essence, WBT is the lowest temperature air can reach through evaporative cooling - essentially, it's the temperature a thermometer would show if covered by a water-soaked cloth and air was blown over it. This might sound technical, but it has direct relevance to our lives, especially during heatwaves or extreme temperatures ??. Why is this important? Because the WBT combines temperature and humidity to give a holistic measure of how the environment feels to our bodies. It's not just how hot the air is; it's how hot the air feels when moisture cannot evaporate from our skin, our body's primary cooling mechanism. When WBT reaches a critical threshold (~35°C), it's termed an "Extreme Wet Bulb Event". At these temperatures, even perfectly healthy people sitting in the shade, with access to water, can succumb to heat stroke within hours because their bodies can't shed heat fast enough ??. These events pose a particular risk to the vulnerable among us: the elderly, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and those living in areas without adequate cooling. It's a silent, invisible threat that could turn a heatwave from uncomfortable to deadly ??. While the current frequency of such extreme events is relatively low, climate models predict they will become more common in the future. This is why it's crucial to understand and appreciate WBT, to better prepare and protect ourselves and our communities. We must lobby for better public health infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to high temperatures. We need heatwave action plans that take WBT into account, providing cooling centers and ensuring vulnerable individuals are reached out to and supported ????. So next time you hear about the Wet Bulb Temperature, remember, it's not just a weather forecast statistic. It's a crucial indicator of how safe we are in our environment in the face of mounting heat risks ??. Stay cool, stay safe, and let's all work together to ensure our world is prepared for the hotter future that may lie ahead. ???? #WetBulbTemperature #ClimateChange #Heatwaves #PublicHealth

It’s sooooooo hot!!! The mercury in Singapore hit 37 degrees?Celsius on Saturday (May 13), equalling a 40-year record for the highest daily maximum temperature,?said the National Environment Agency (NEA). I am reminded of the article published by the World Economic Forum in 2021 citing IPCC’s report on Southeast Asia as one of the planet’s most vulnerable regions to climate change. The archipelagic regional bloc will be hit by rising sea levels, heat waves, drought, and more intense and frequent bouts of rain. Enough said. https://lnkd.in/g6--Qktg https://lnkd.in/ghXSWHUf

Never have I felt the weather being so hot in Singapore before, climate change issues is real. Having 3 kids myself, I’m truly concerned for them. If we don’t act fast enough, I fear our next generation will have to pay the price for our actions.

???? Climate Change Alert: Singapore Sets New Heat Record! ???? I came across a news article today about Singapore's recent scorching temperatures, and it has prompted me to shed light on the pressing issue of global warming. According to Channel NewsAsia's report (link below), Singapore just experienced its highest daily maximum temperature of a scorching 37 degrees Celsius! ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gKJbmXiK This heat record serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts. As a concerned global citizen and advocate for sustainable practices, I feel compelled to raise awareness about the effects of global warming on our beloved island nation. Singapore, known for its vibrant culture and remarkable economic progress, is not immune to the threats posed by climate change. Rising temperatures have far-reaching consequences, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecological disruptions. These effects not only endanger our environment but also impact public health, infrastructure, and economic stability. It is essential for us to take collective action and implement sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming. As individuals, we can adopt eco-friendly habits such as reducing our carbon footprint, conserving energy, and embracing renewable energy sources. Through responsible consumption and waste management, we can contribute to a greener future for Singapore. Furthermore, businesses and organizations play a crucial role in driving positive change. By embracing sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy, and integrating environmentally friendly technologies, we can pave the way for a resilient and low-carbon economy. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to achieving long-term sustainability goals and safeguarding our future generations. Let's leverage our collective knowledge and resources to drive meaningful change and advocate for robust climate policies at both local and global levels. Together, we can build a sustainable and resilient Singapore that thrives in the face of climate challenges. ?? Feel free to read the article and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let's inspire others to join the fight against global warming and make a positive impact in Singapore and beyond. ???? #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #Sustainability #Singapore #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #renewableenergy #environment #sustainable #future #publichealth

Warmest day in 40yrs today in Singapore. Was 37C and once you add the Urban Heat ISLAND (UHI) effect adding another 6C, more like 43C in any built up area in the shade. How are you coping with the heat? https://lnkd.in/gY3jJiui #singapore #climatechange

Whether it will ever reach 40c here, I am sure nobody wants that to happen . We can do more to manage climate change, it can start from the little things we do.. ?? https://lnkd.in/gw9GTEuX

This is not a fringe concern, but front and centre for the work that humanitarians, NDMAs and emergency responders do. Can we honestly say that our organisations are ready for the world that we are entering?