Over the subsequent pages, the writer Siau Ming En presented how the findings from the first phase of the second National Climate Change Study, commissioned by National Environment Agency (NEA), show that the unusually warm temperatures and intense yet frequent heavy rainfall are likely to become the norm for Singapore by 2070. For one, I know I wouldn't live to that age but these are the direct consequences of global warming that our future generation has to live with. The second phase key findings are expected to be ready by end 2015.
In summary, the following are some of the facts, findings and projections:
Greenhouse Effect
- CO2 and other greenhouse gases concentrate in the atmosphere;
- CO2 and other gases trap heat irradiation and keep the Earth warm;
- Earth's surface increases in temperature; and
- higher emissions of greenhouse gases continue to lead to changes in climate.
The evidence
Temperature
- Mean temperature - 26.6 deg C (1972) to 27.7 deg C (2014)
- Warm days (>34.1 deg C) - 10 (1972) to 64 (2014)
- Cool days (<29 -="" .2="" 30="" 56="" c="" deg="" font="" to="">
- Warm nights (>26.2 deg C) - 0 (1972) to 69 (2014)
- Cool nights (<22 -="" .3="" 26="" 72="" c="" deg="" font="" to="">
Rainfall
- Annual rainfall - 2,192 mm/year (1972) to 2,727 mm/year (2014)
- Hourly exceeding 40 mm (heavy rain) - 51 days/year (1972) to 66 days/year (2014)
- Hourly exceeding 70 mm (very heavy rain) - 4 days/year (1972) to 10 days/year (2014)
Temperature Forecast
- Mean daily temperature - 27.4 deg C (1980-2009) to 32 deg C (2070-2099)
- Mean maximum daily temperature - 31.8 deg C (1980-2009) to 36.7 deg C (2070-2099)
- Warm days above 34.1 deg C - 25 days (1980-2009) to 120 days to every day (2070-2099)
Rainfall Forecast
- Annual average rainfall - 2,488 mm/year (1980-2009) to 3,144 mm/year (+26.8%) (2070-2099)
Sea Level Rise Forescast
- Mean sea level rise - up to 0.76 m
