Rapidly degrading state of Antarctic spotlighted in climate action exhibition
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SINGAPORE – Photographs of snow-capped land marred with large patches of red and green algae due to rising surface temperatures are among some of the images and descriptions of the rapidly declining state of the Antarctic that are showcased at a new climate action exhibition.
These observations were made during an Antarctic climate expedition (ACE) in 2023, where the 120-strong team led by renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic founder Michael Aw found microplastics in all the samples of air, water and snow collected, and an unprecedented number of orphans or born-too-late-to-survive penguins.
“Nobody will believe that this actually is the Antarctic,” said Mr Aw, as he gave a presentation on the expedition findings on Friday at the launch of the exhibition at the CDL Green Gallery at Botanic Gardens.
“This is very real. It is what it is. I am not a scientist, but the pictures speak the truth.”
The expedition veteran further warned that the temperature of the Antarctic has increased by 3 deg C over the last 50 years – much higher than the global average temperature rise of 1.2 deg C.
“It’s unbelievable that you can go to the Antarctic and wear T-shirts in January or February,” he added.
The showcase of ACE findings is part of a wider climate action exhibition put together by the National Parks Board (NParks), City Developments Limited (CDL) and Ocean Geographic.
It was launched on Friday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, alongside NParks chief executive Hwang Yu-Ning and CDL group chief operating officer Kwek Eik Sheng.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for National Development and Finance, said the exhibition “takes visitors on a captivating journey to the Antarctic, where the impacts of climate change, rising temperatures and melting glaciers threaten the well-being of life across the globe”.
Entitled Melting Ice, Sinking Cities, the exhibition is housed at the refurbished net-zero energy CDL Green Gallery and will run until March 2024.
The exhibition features five zones, including displays of NParks’ marine conservation efforts to enhance coastal resilience in Singapore and CDL’s initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in its buildings.
Said Mr Kwek: “It is our wish that you, our guests, and all visitors from all parts of the world will leave the exhibition feeling empowered and inspired to effect change in their everyday lives, and that no act is too small.”
The Melting Ice, Sinking Cities exhibition is housed at the refurbished net-zero energy CDL Green Gallery in the Botanic Gardens.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Dr Earle emphasised that knowledge is not enough.
“Island nations and coastal cities are vulnerable to rising sea levels”, she said, “and I am glad to see Singapore as an island city-state is taking a proactive stance and hosting the global premiere of the ACE exhibition”.
The CDL Green Gallery’s refurbishment is part of a $1.5 million donation from the property developer to NParks’ charity arm Garden City Fund, as CDL and the board extend a 10-year partnership in raising awareness and appreciation for nature and biodiversity in Singapore.
Entry to the gallery, which is open from 9am to 6pm daily, except every last Tuesday of the month, is free.
