Summary Lecture 1

On Feburary-5th, a lecture on climate change was held in NUS. The first part which was lectured by Dr. Shie-Yui Liong includes a brief introduction to climate change and modeling. Actually, the climate was relatively steady until 100 years ago. A lot of evidence shows that human activity (Green house gases, especially carbon hydrogen) accounts for global warming. And what makes this issue serious is that climate change may bring up bad results in the long term future because even after the carbon hydrogen stabilizes, the sea level will still go up. Many island countries, including Singapore, are in danger. After that, the lecturer introduced the important method used to study this problem named Global Climate Model (GCM). It is the most comprehensive climate models developed and run at the climate research centers. There also exists a Regional Climate Model (RCM) which has a much higher resolution. However, GCM and RCM are not adequate for hydrological purpose because it is coarse, so dynamical techniques are carried out to downscale GCM output to limit uncertainties.

--by Huang Xin

Summary Lecture 2 :

Carbon dioxide (CO2) constitutes biggest part of the greenhouse gases and the major portion of CO2 is emitted by the excessive burning of fossil fuels for production of energy. Statistics have shown that within the last two decades the emission of CO2 has increased throughout the world with the percentage emission of CO2 directly related to the wealth of the country: richer the country higher the share in CO2 emission.

Therefore, measures are needed to be taken on both institutional and individual levels to cut this emission down. Institutions can help by discouraging the use of fossil fuels for energy supply and by promoting more environmental friendly and renewable alternatives. Institutes can also work on other major sectors like transport, agriculture and waste management. Methods like putting additional taxes on the road vehicles, licensing all energy consuming appliances against a certain standard of consumption, and encouraging forestation etc, should be devised by the governing bodies to curb CO2 emission to a sustainable level.

Individuals can contribute by enhancing their awareness about the causes and then tailoring their lifestyle according to the needs. Power consumption in the homes should be wisely managed and installation of unnecessary items should be prevented from. Individuals can also help encouraging eco-friendly companies and technologies by generously investing in them, and abstain from purchasing products that threat our environment.

With all these joint efforts from individuals and institutions, we can effectively bring a positive change in our atmosphere.

Sovacool, Benjamin k.(February 5, 2010). Climate Change: Issues and Response.(Lecture).

-Haider Hayee