To celebrate the International Year of the Forest, 2011, the Singapore Institute of Biology (SIBiol) and Science Centre Singapore jointly present
A PUBLIC FORUM ON FORESTS
Date: Sat, 20th August 2011
Time: 9.30am – 12.30 pm
Venue: Maxwell Auditorium, Science Centre Singapore
Talk 1
Professor Richard Corlett
(Dept of Biological Sciences, NUS)
“Climate Changes and the Ecological Impacts on Singapore”
Talk 2
Dr Shawn Lum
(Natural Sciences and Science Education Group of the National Institute of Education)
“Conservation of Forests in Singapore”
Admission is FREE
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TALK 1
Prof. Corlett Richard Thomas
Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
“Climate Changes and the Ecological Impacts on Singapore”
Singapore’s National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) is projecting a warming of 2.7-4.2oC by 2100, with no clear trend in rainfall. Climatic uncertainties are compounded by our ignorance about the potential biological consequences of these changes in the equatorial tropics. In particular, we do not currently understand how rising temperatures will affect trees and forests which, recent evidence suggests, already operate near to a high temperature threshold above which carbon uptake declines sharply. Like the majority of the tropics, Singapore will soon be subject to climatic conditions that have not existed anywhere on Earth for millions of years. It’s a new world and all bets are off.
TALK 2
Dr Shawn Lum
Natural Sciences and Science Education Group
of the National Institute of Education
“Conservation of Forests in Singapore”
What we refer to as “Singapore’s forests” is a diverse mix of different vegetation types. Despite their relatively small size and isolation, they support an impressive variety of plant – and animal – life. Where are these forest pockets, what can we find in them, and how are they faring? What measures have been taken to protect and preserve them, and what more can be done to conserve them? The talk will attempt to address these questions and more that might be raised at the session.