Climate Science Experts Network launched [News]

By Channel NewsAsia, 3 Feb 2012.

A new platform to engage local and overseas researchers on climate research has been launched. It is called the Climate Science Experts Network (CSEN).

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said the network will complement the work of its Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS).

Director-General of the MSS, Wong Chin Ling, said together, both bodies can build up Singapore’s expertise in climate science and help national preparedness for climate change.

In his address to the inaugural meeting of the network, Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Water Resources, Desmond Kuek, spoke of the need to bridge science and policy more effectively.

He said the ideal situation is for all experts, whether in universities or government, to work together.

More than 20 researchers attended the meeting which was held this week at the CCRS based in Paya Lebar.

Source: Channel NewsAsia

Map outlines climate danger for Singapore [News]

By Jessica Cheam, The Straits Times, 31 Jan 2012.

A global average temperature rise of 4 degC could have a severe impact on Singapore, including flooding, coastal land loss and heat-related deaths.

That is according to a new map launched here yesterday by the Hadley Centre of the United Kingdom’s Met Office, one of the leading centres for climate prediction. The map shows the potential impact of climate change in South-east Asia.

Under the scenario, global average sea levels could rise by up to 80cm by the end of the century, translating to a local sea-level rise of about 65cm.

‘For a small country with a high population density and surrounded by sea, this could have implications for flooding, coastal land loss and salt water intrusion of groundwater aquifers,’ said the centre. Read more

NUS running electric vehicle trial [News]

By Royston Sim, The Straits Times, 14 Jan 2012.

The National University of Singapore will launch a trial this year to study whether one-seater electric vehicles can enhance travel around its campuses.

Participants will use the Toyota COMS – a single-seater micro electric vehicle (EV) resembling a golf buggy – to shuttle between the NUS Kent Ridge campus and University Town (NUS UTown).

The year-long study will test the viability of using such vehicles to provide ‘personal mobility on demand’ at NUS.

The trial is led by Professor Chua Kee Chaing, who said it is likely to start by April with a fleet of 10 vehicles – provided free by trial partner Toyota Tsusho (Singapore). Read more

Investors address climate change risks [News]

By Lesley Teoh, The Business Times, 13 Jan 2012.

Institutional investors are increasingly aware of the investment risks and opportunities afforded by climate change, a Mercer survey has found.

More than 50 per cent of respondents to the survey decided to include climate change considerations in their future risk management and strategic asset allocation processes.

This reflects the growing awareness of investors of the threats posed by global warming to their assets, and is of particular importance given the lack of global consensus on climate change issues, which has stalled the implementation of a new climate policy.

‘A new binding (climate change) agreement is not expected to be in place until 2020,’ said Mercer’s Asia- Pacific head of responsible investment Helga Birgden. ‘For its part, Mercer will continue to offer forward- looking, strategic advice and solutions to help our clients address long-term risks and opportunities associated with climate change.’ Read more

New systems help old buildings save energy [News]

By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 9 Jan 2012.

At a corner of Golden Mile Tower is a dim, but airy room, filled with whirring equipment, the shiny new pumps and chillers looking bright against the dusty walls.

Though the office-and-retail block on Beach Road is four decades old, it had all this installed last year, along with a cooling tower and a panel to monitor the performance of the system.

The hardware, fitted in to conserve energy, has done its job.

The block’s power bills have been cut by $30,000 a month, from $100,000.

The owners of older buildings such as this one and People’s Park Complex are sinking money into such systems ahead of energy-related laws that may be passed this year. Read more

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