Record temperatures, extreme rain incoming this summer | Climate Conversations podcast

By CNA

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Climate Conversations: Extreme Heat and Its Impacts

Key Concepts: Extreme heat, climate change, global warming, heat waves, heat stress, air pollution, urban heat island effect, adaptation measures, regional variations in heat exposure.

1. Introduction: The Sizzling Mercury

  • The podcast discusses the impending extreme heat expected in the Northern Hemisphere summer, fueled by climate change.
  • The hosts, Jack Board and Leeling Tan, discuss how extreme heat is influencing their personal decisions, such as holiday planning.
  • Leeling's dying fan palm serves as a metaphor for the impact of heat on the environment.

2. Quiz Time: Singapore's Extreme Heat

  • World Weather Attribution research reveals Singapore experienced a significant number of extra days of extreme heat over the past year (May to May).
  • The actual number was 99 extra days of extreme heat, highlighting the severity of the issue in equatorial regions.

3. Main Story: Extreme Heat is On the Way

  • Forecasters predict a harsh summer with extreme heat impacting various aspects of life, including power grids, education, labor, agriculture, water supplies, and disaster management.
  • 4 billion people experienced at least a month of extreme temperatures in the past year.
  • The last decade contains all 10 of the warmest years on record.
  • In 2023, the global average temperature reached 15.1°C, the warmest since records began in 1850, exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5 to 1.6°C.
  • This temperature increase leads to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
  • Extreme heat will affect popular holiday destinations in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
  • The podcast also highlights the increasing frequency of erratic and extreme rainfall and floods due to warmer atmospheres holding more moisture.

4. Regional Impacts and Case Studies

  • China: Experiences a whipsaw effect between drought and heavy rain, leading to floods and potential crop damage. The government is using cloud seeding to induce rain.
  • Japan: The government is implementing measures to protect workers from heat stroke, including providing shaded rest areas, ensuring access to water, and adjusting work schedules. Companies failing to comply face fines of up to 500,000 yen (approximately $3,500).
  • Singapore: Rising temperatures reduce educational outcomes and children's cognitive ability in classrooms without air conditioning. Schools are implementing strategies like more casual uniforms, more trees, blower fans, and guidelines for physical activity. A CNA article by Lorraine Lee highlights this issue.
  • India: Experiences unprecedented temperatures, up to 3°C above normal, especially at night. Air pollution paradoxically helps keep temperatures down by reflecting solar radiation. India is slated to become the largest air conditioning market, potentially worsening the urban heat island effect.

5. Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies

  • Japan: Implementing regulations to protect outdoor workers from heat stress, including providing shaded rest areas, water access, and adjusted work schedules.
  • Singapore: Schools are adopting measures to keep students cool, such as more casual uniforms, increased greenery, and adjusted physical activity schedules.
  • Australia: The "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaign promotes sun safety (slip on a t-shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat).

6. The Air Pollution Paradox in India

  • Air pollution in India, while harmful, reflects solar radiation, thus temporarily mitigating some heat.
  • Improving air quality could inadvertently worsen heat stress.
  • Increased air conditioning use in India, while providing relief, contributes to the urban heat island effect, creating a vicious cycle.

7. Quiz Answer and Regional Heat Disparities

  • Singapore recorded 99 extra days of extreme heat in the past year.
  • Indonesia also recorded 99 extra days, while Malaysia had 86.
  • Caribbean and Pacific Island states, such as Barbados and Haiti, experienced the most, with around 120 extra days.
  • Japan had only 18 more days, and South Korea only 12, highlighting regional variations in heat exposure.

8. Conclusion: Main Takeaways

  • Extreme heat is a growing global problem with significant consequences for various sectors and regions.
  • Climate change is a major driver of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events.
  • Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the impacts of heat.
  • Regional disparities in heat exposure highlight the need for tailored solutions.
  • The air pollution paradox in India illustrates the complex interplay of environmental factors.

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