Mosquitoes, cooling vests: Singapore launches exhibition on adapting to climate change

SINGAPORE – Want to get a taste of what it could be like to battle climate change impacts in the future? Stick your arm into a box full of Project Wolbachia mosquitoes – you will find that they do not bite humans.

This is one of the interactive activities at a month-long roving exhibition that gives visitors a glimpse into how Singapore is preparing to adapt to the changing climate. Integrated community and lifestyle hub One Punggol is its first stop.

Wolbachia mosquitoes are deployed in estates to suppress the population of dengue-spreading mosquitoes, with rising temperatures expected to speed up the development of the virus in these pests.

The haze Singapore is currently experiencing is partly a result of climate change, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Oct 24 at the launch of the exhibition.

Since early September, smoke haze from fires in Indonesia has caused the Republic’s air quality to decline, with the fires amplified by drier-than-normal conditions brought about by the El Nino climate phenomenon.

The fires there are mainly started by slash-and-burn agricultural practices, which are illegal but still often used as they are cheaper than clearing land with excavators.

Gan, who is MP for Punggol GRC, pointed out that the haze is “a timely reminder” that residents here have to take measures to cope with extreme weather.

Acknowledging that the haze has been a challenging period for Singapore, Gan urged residents to look out for those who are more vulnerable or might need extra help, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions.

He was addressing some 130 stakeholders, including Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, businesses, and pupils from Mee Toh School. Also present were youth, academics and community representatives.

“To our students here today: You do not have to wait until you are older to contribute.

“Share what you learn with your parents and grandparents, and encourage your family and friends to take practical steps,” he said.

Actions taken by businesses, communities and individuals to adapt to climate change can help the Government understand what works and where more support is needed as it develops the Republic’s inaugural National Adaptation Plan, he added.

The plan, which will set out the country’s long-term strategy to protect itself from climate impacts, is scheduled for release in 2027.

Singapore needs to take a collaborative approach when working through the choices and trade-offs involved in adapting to climate change, said Gan.

“For example, we need to keep people safe and comfortable in hotter weather, while at the same time managing energy use and emissions,” he added. “We must discuss these choices openly, draw on scientific evidence and practical experience, and work out solutions together.”

This is why the Government has been engaging Singaporeans since March through the National Adaptation Conversations and other means, said Gan.

To date, there have been around 100 engagements with various stakeholders, including community leaders, businesses and nature groups.

In the spirit of broadening the reach of these conversations, the exhibition aims to encourage residents to explore how climate change could affect their lives, learn about existing preparations and collect their ideas for the upcoming National Adaptation Plan.

Gan said: “Our students here today will grow up in a different climate from the one we know.

“We want them to inherit a home that is well-prepared for the challenges ahead, and a community that knows how to look after it while taking care of one another.”

The exhibition, titled Our Climate-Ready Home, offers free half-hour guided tours that will showcase solutions developed by partners from the private and public sectors, as well as community groups.

For instance, visitors can try on wearables that cool the skin by up to 9 deg C without batteries or refrigeration.

Those who complete the guided tour and a quiz can redeem a gift. These range from a $5 NTUC voucher or plushie keychains to national water agency PUB’s mascot Water Wally and his sister Water Sally.

Fresh local produce is also available for sale at the SG Farmers’ Market organised by the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation at One Punggol.

Sengkang resident Sanchi Dua Avinashi, who was on the sidelines of the launch with her two sons, said the family-friendly exhibition provides a convenient resource for her to teach her children about global warming amid rising temperatures.

The 38-year-old health researcher added: “I want to let them know how we can protect nature and how the climate can be impacted by our day-to-day activities.”

Our Climate-Ready Home will run in the young neighbourhood until Oct 28.

The exhibition will move to Westgate in Jurong from Oct 31 to Nov 4, and then to Kampung Admiralty in Woodlands from Nov 18 to Nov 22.

Tour schedules are available at mse.gov.sg/climatereadyhome