This project aims to create a postcard from the future, a future where the place I come from – Singapore, was greatly impacted by climate change. The postcard will depict the situation of a possible living environment, perhaps 20, 50 or 100 years down the road.
Research (Problems)
Being one of the smallest countries in the world with an approximate 6 million population, how does climate change affect Singapore?
Sea level Rising
From 1972 to 2014, the annual mean temperature has increased from 26.6°C to 27.7°C. The mean sea level in the Straits of Singapore has also increased at the rate of 1.2mm to 1.7mm per year in the period 1975 to 2009. [1]
As a low-lying island, the rise in sea level poses the most immediate threat to Singapore. Much of our nation lies only 15 m above the mean sea level, with about 30% of our island being less than 5 m above the mean sea level.[2]
“Singapore is a low-lying, densely populated tropical island state. We are vulnerable to the impact of climate change such as sea-level rise, higher temperatures and more pronounced dry seasons, as well as more intense rainfall.”[3]
“Carbon emissions causing 4 degrees celsius of warming a business-as-usual scenario could cause Singapore’s median local sea level to rise 9.5 metres, submerging the homes of 745,000 Singaporeans. This number is based on the 2010 population figure of 4.68 million.”[4]
Map showing areas in Singapore at risk from global warming (in light blue)
Image Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/climate-change-could-force-745-000-singaporeans-underwater-053221746–sector.html
For Singapore, the map showed that areas around Marina Bay, Changi Airport, Jurong, Tuas, and the Southern Islands are at risk of going underwater if temperatures rise, even by 2 degrees celsius.[5]
Other impacts of climate change in Singapore include:
-Water resources
-Biodiversity and greenery
-Effect on public health
-Urban heat island effect
-Food security
Infographic – Climate Change in Singapore
Image Source: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (From: https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/impact-climate-change-singapore)
Strategy to combat climate change
“Singapore launched our Climate Action Plan in July 2016. The first part “A Climate-Resilient Singapore, for a Sustainable Future” details our plans to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as in coastal protection and infrastructure. The second part “Take Action Today, for a Carbon-Efficient Singapore, explains the key tenets of our approach to reduce carbon emissions up to 2030, which include: (i) improving energy efficiency; (ii) reducing carbon emissions from power generation; (iii) developing and demonstrating cutting-edge low-carbon technologies; and (iv) responding through the collective action of government agencies, individuals, businesses and the community.”[6]
Thought Process of making Postcard
I decided to paint a picture of Marina Bay Sands (MBS), which is the common area people use to define Singapore’s skyline. It is a luxurious location and definitely a tourist attraction. However, due to the severity of climate change, it can become susceptible to sinking. MBS is also built with landfill.
This is the current skyline of pretty Singapore in the Marina Bay Sands area.
Image by Alexander Manton – (http://www.alexandermanton.com/singapaoreskyline/)
I decided to paint all of that in a setting similiar to that of an aquarium, assuming that sea level rises was too quickly and abrupt before resist and action could be taken. A tunnel has been built as an alternative mode of living and transportation. The right side of the postcard features the merlion – a mythical sea creature that is an icon of Singapore. The goal was to create a visual impact with all the iconic buildings and silhouettes floating around in a sea rubble.
The back of the postcard says:
“All that functions,
will soon be decorations.”
Postcard
The mediums used to make the card are ink and watercolor on bristol paper.
Citations
[1] https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/impact-climate-change-singapore
[2]Ibid.
[3] http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/spore-unveils-action-plan-in-climate-change-fight
[4] https://sg.news.yahoo.com/climate-change-could-force-745-000-singaporeans-underwater-053221746–sector.html
[5] Ibid.
[6] https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/international_issues/climate-change.html
