S2E22: How we can beat the heat in Singapore

As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the
growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures.


Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits
Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from
biodiversity conservation to climate change.


As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the
growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures.


Even if you’re not aware, we’re all affected by rising
temperatures, especially when combined with Singapore’s high
humidity. 


Heat is changing our behaviour and many of us actively avoid
being exposed to it by limiting our time outdoors. But that can
reduce our true potential by curbing exercise and access to fresh
air and by spending more time in front phones and televisions,
harming our vision – and even reducing vitamin D intake.


But for those who work outside, they have fewer choices. And
those without regular access to air-conditioning are also at
increasing risk.


Fortunately, much is being done to help people and educate them
on the growing threat from rising temperatures caused by climate
change and hotter urban environments. 


And for this special episode of the Green Pulse podcast, co-hosts
Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with a dynamic duo who have
helped shape Singapore’s response to heat.


They are Associate Professor Jason Lee, director of the Heat
Resilience and Performance Centre at National University of
Singapore and Ms Jaime Lim, a director at the Occupational Safety
and Health Division at the Ministry of Manpower.


This episode was recorded and filmed on Aug 12 at The Fashion
Pulpit in Jalan Besar, in front of an intimate live audience of
about 95 people.


It was the fourth ST Podcast Live! session celebrating 180 years
of The Straits Times in 2025, with two more events planned for
the rest of the year.


Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):


1:30 Despite the sharp spike in temperatures, do people think
high heat is still not a concern?


8:35 The Ministry of Manpower has an acclimatisation programme
for newly arrived outdoor workers. How does this programme work?


12:05 How the government and scientists work together to create
heat policies.


17:50 What have been the reactions from businesses to MOM’s heat
protection advisories and policies?


25:25 Much has been done but what other aspects of heat risk need
more attention?


More on NUS' Heat Resilience & Performance Centre
(HRPC): https://str.sg/Byiw


MOM's heat stress measures for outdoor work: https://str.sg/5j9K


Resources for workplaces and workers: https://str.sg/Hup2


Heat stress levels: https://str.sg/5WrT


Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W


Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2


Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy


Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu


Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty
(dfogarty@sph.com.sg)


Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim


Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong


Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode
drops:


Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf


Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY


Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag


Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg


SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg


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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7


Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts


The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa


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