Researchers across the island are banding together to figure out exactly how Singapore will be affected if Singapore is hit by a severe rise in sea levels – based on sound science – to work out the best solutions.
A $10 million National Sea Level Research Programme will be launched to boost the understanding of sea levels around Singapore and develop more robust projections of rising sea levels.
To do so, scientists will have to delve into a complex, multi-disciplinary and rapidly evolving field involving many areas of expertise.
After which, decisions can be made on what measures to take, ranging from raising low-lying areas to building tidal barrages to prevent flooding.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli also announced that a new Climate Science Research Programme Office will be set up next year (2020) under the Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS).
It will work closely with local research institutes and institutes of higher learning and drive efforts to formulate and implement the National Climate Science Research Masterplan to strengthen expertise here.
Based on today’s science, climate scientists here have projected that mean sea levels could rise by up to around 1 metre by 2100, said Mr Zulkifli.
And if high mean sea levels, high tide and high surge all happened at the same time, sea levels could reach almost 4 metres above current mean sea levels and overwhelm low-lying coastal areas.
He added: “We must remain clear-eyed about Singapore’s vulnerability as a small, low-lying island with no natural resources and no hinterland to retreat to if sea levels rise. At stake is nothing less than the physical preservation of our island nation and its inhabitants.”
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Source: The Straits Times, 18 July 2019