Environment around you
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NUS-OceanX expedition maps 6,050 sq km of Indian Ocean, finds 20 possible new species
A 24-day deep-sea expedition co-led by the National University of Singapore and OceanX mapped 6,050 sq km of the eastern Indian Ocean and brought back over 2,000 specimens. Researchers say at least 20 species could be new to science, with 100 to 200 species documented in all. The OceanXplorer explored the Monsoon Rise, a largely uncharted seamount chain.
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UN launches Global Heat Resilience Roadmap at Singapore cooling forum
The United Nations announced a Global Heat Resilience Roadmap on Sept 17 at a forum held at Parkroyal on Beach Road hotel in Singapore, setting out ways to protect water, food, schools, hospitals and power grids during heatwaves. The UN Environment Programme convened more than 60 countries at the inaugural Global Cooling Pledge Assembly to cut emissions from air-conditioning, which accounts for about 20 per cent of global electricity use. Singapore is among the signatory countries of the Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling.
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PSI in all parts of Singapore hits unhealthy levels on Sept 15
Air quality across Singapore worsened on Sept 15, with PSI readings reaching unhealthy levels in all parts of the country before easing slightly. Schools and sports bodies responded: an Outward Bound camp was cancelled, the Singapore Hockey Federation will suspend men's league matches above PSI 100, and the FAS will add hydration breaks in SPL games.
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Bowmouth guitarfish filmed at Bedok Jetty, first Singapore record since 1995
A bowmouth guitarfish was filmed by anglers at Bedok Jetty on Oct 29, 2022, and formally documented in a report published by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum on Aug 31. It is the first confirmed record of the critically endangered species in Singapore waters since a specimen was netted off Marine Parade in 1995.
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JAS monitors peat and landfill fires in Sarawak and Johor
The Department of Environment is paying special attention to peat and landfill fires in Sarawak and Johor amid hot, dry weather. In Sarikei, the Selalang landfill fire covers 1.5 hectares with 67 per cent extinguished, while in Kota Tinggi peat fires cover 17 hectares and 10.12 hectares. JAS is monitoring air quality and urging the public against open burning.
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NParks removes six unhealthy tembusu trees at MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Six tembusu trees at MacRitchie Reservoir Park were removed by NParks on Sept 2 after inspections found them unhealthy, with decay and structural defects. The removals came to light after a Nature Society Singapore forum member posted photos of the stumps near the Paddle Lodge. NParks says native species will be planted to replace the trees.
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Terengganu proposes 2-year closure of 4 Redang coral sites after 80% damage
Four snorkelling and diving sites around Pulau Redang in Terengganu have been proposed for a two-year closure to allow severely damaged coral reefs to recover. The proposal, submitted by resort operators and Reef Check Malaysia, cites over 80% coral damage at the sites, primarily due to human activities like tourists touching corals and boats dropping anchors. State tourism committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said the proposal will be discussed with federal agencies.
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10.1-hectare peat fire in Kampung Sungai Buntu fully extinguished
A 10.1-hectare peat forest fire in Kampung Sungai Buntu, Pengerang, Johor was fully extinguished on September 8. Firefighting operations at Bukit Pelali have reached 70 percent completion, with about five hectares remaining.
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Peat fire at Sebana Cove, Pengerang expected to be extinguished in two days
A peat fire at Bypass Sebana Cove in Bukit Pelali, Pengerang, Kota Tinggi is expected to be fully extinguished within two days. As of 4 pm, firefighters have managed to contain the blaze across 10 hectares of the 17 hectares that caught fire.
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Over 10 hectares of peatland orchard on fire in Kampung Sungai Buntu
A fire broke out at a peatland orchard spanning over 10 hectares in Kampung Sungai Buntu, Pengerang, Kota Tinggi today. Firefighters received the call at 1.13 pm and have extinguished 6.07 hectares so far, with operations ongoing.
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NUS study: Sand with more oxygen helps microbes break down oil faster
A new study by the National University of Singapore found that microbes in well-drained, oxygen-rich beach sand degrade oil much faster than in waterlogged sand. The research, prompted by the 2024 oil spill, showed a 40% degradation rate in oxygen-rich conditions versus 5% in oxygen-poor conditions. The findings could help improve oil spill clean-up strategies.