Taylor Swift, deep time & your MPs reply!
Dear friend,
Do you ever look at the trees that stretch above us, and the birds that call at dawn, and think about what it is that connects us all?
Our beautiful planet has had such a long and varied history. It’s hard to really fathom all that’s happened in the past 4.6 billion years to get us to where we are today.
Last month, we helped organise Singapore’s first ever Deep Time Walk, bringing participants through a 4.6km guided walk representing 4.6 billion years of the Earth’s history. We were invited to step out of the attention-scarce, fast-paced shallow time of social media, and into deep time — to reflect on everything that had to align for us to be here, and reckon with what some humans have chosen to do with this ecological miracle.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined the walk, as well as all the wonderful people who came on board to facilitate this labour of love for the Earth! If you didn’t manage to secure a spot this time, we’re likely to be organising another one soon — so stay tuned!
For a better world,
SG Climate Rally
💃Taylor Swift’s recent concerts in Singapore may have increased our GDP slightly, but her private jet setting is also increasing the amount of emissions emitted. She’s not alone though! In our recent post, we dive into the reasons for the "Bad Blood" with private jet emissions, explore potential "Delicate" solutions, and highlight Singapore's initiative with sustainable aviation fuel. We need to reduce private jet emissions to reduce the amount of “Cruel Summers” we’re having, or we’ll never be “Out of the Woods” when it comes to climate change.
✉️And in our last rally in September 2023, 309 of you wrote postcards to your local MP, urging them to take stronger climate action. MPs from the People’s Action Party and the Workers’ Party have replied! See snippets of their replies on Instagram and the full replies here on our website.
Global News
⛽A new report by Carbon Tracker assessed 25 largest listed fossil fuel firms on their investments, production plans and emission targets, and found that none are currently aligned with the Paris Agreement goals, with all planning fossil fuel expansion incompatible with 1.5°C warming limit. BP received the highest "D" rating, while Aramco, Petrobras and ExxonMobil ranked lowest with a "G". This comes as Shell also recently revised its climate targets, aiming to curb operational emissions by 50% by 2030 but not imposing emissions caps on its oil and gas operations. With firms chasing fossil-fueled profits, it’s just another indication that these firms must be compelled by government action to bring about the just transition, and the private sector cannot be left to its own devices.
🔭Recent research indicates that recent temperature records greatly exceed predictions by current climate models, and is not fully explained by factors like rising greenhouse gases, recent volcanic eruptions or solar activity. The divergence from models implies our understanding of climate system workings may be lacking or statistical inferences from history are less reliable, and there is a need for better or more nimble data collection systems to improve climate models, so that better predictions can be made about the state of climate change.
🌳A new peer-reviewed study analysed 182 forest regeneration carbon offset projects in Australia and found little to no increase in tree cover compared to what was pledged, meaning that the projects are not actually reducing emissions as claimed through the carbon credits issued. This calls into question the integrity of Australia's carbon market and efforts to reduce emissions if non-existent offsets are credited. Recently, the carbon credits market has been plagued with accusations and research claiming that the credits do not actually offset the amount of emissions that they promise to.
Local News
👍Former Monetary Authority of Singapore managing director Ravi Menon has been appointed as Singapore's first ambassador for climate action. In this brand new role, he will represent Singapore at international climate action platforms and advise the National Climate Change Secretariat on climate policies. Menon has been a champion of green finance initiatives and has called for a stronger carbon tax before. Here’s to hoping he won’t just focus on the green economy, but will also be a voice for climate groups on the ground!
🥵The weather’s been sweltering as of late, but on the bright side, it’s only the hottest day of your life so far (sorry). According to the 2023 climate assessment report released by Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), we may experience even hotter weather in 2024 than 2023 (which was already the fourth hottest year on record) due to lingering effects of the El Nino climate pattern. The average temperature in 2023 was 28.2 degrees Celsius, and the hottest month was May with an average temperature of 29.5 degrees. Singapore experienced 37 days with some periods of high heat stress, and MSS warned that this could triple by 2050. And temperatures aren’t the only thing to worry about–keep your umbrellas, hats and sunscreen ready, as the ultraviolet index (UV) has hit extreme levels in recent days, increasing the risk of sunburn.
⚛️It was reported recently that Singapore is studying the safety of deploying nuclear energy as it seeks to reduce emissions from its power sector and ensure energy security. Teams from agencies like the Energy Market Authority (EMA) have visited countries like the US, UK and Germany to learn from international experts at organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and research institutes Only small modular reactors and micro-reactors may be suitable for Singapore due to land constraints, but floating plants could also be an option. This is yet another official acknowledgement in addition to the recent mention in the Budget that Singapore is tracking developments in nuclear energy. Nuclear energy could supply up to 10 percent of Singapore’s energy needs by 2050.
🪫The Asia region is being swamped with a deluge of e-waste–accounting for almost half of all e-waste discarded worldwide in 2022. However, low recycling rates and lack of infrastructure, coupled with a rapid rise in e-waste generation, means we’re sitting on an e-waste timebomb, as the toxic materials in e-waste leeches into the environment. This CNA documentary dives deeper into the problem:
🌡️If you’ve wondered why the hot weather in Singapore or other tropical countries feels so different compared to temperate climates elsewhere, you’re not alone. The humidity in tropical countries makes it extra hard for our bodies to cool down, making it easier for us to overheat. What does that mean for us who live in tropical countries? This commentary (Premium) by David Fogarty from the Straits Times goes into more detail.
🛖In our drive towards switching to renewable energy, let’s not forget the impact that such switches may have on local, indigenous communities. This commentary by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Associate Fellow Prapimphan Chiengkul proposes that land use and access should factor in any planning for a just transition, especially when it comes to planning for energy needs.
👷🧑⚕️🧑🏭And to all our fellow labourers out there, we know how you feel. Layoffs, overtime, exploitation–all these make us feel tired and want to give up. But a different future is possible, only if we fight for it. Come on down to Hong Lim Park on 1 May, Labour Day, 3-7pm, for a Labour Day rally! We’ll see you there!
