Singapore is set to take on a more significant role in enhancing the region’s ability to detect transboundary haze, enabling countries to respond more swiftly to its impacts.
This development follows the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) selection of Singapore to host a specialised centre – the first in Asia and one of only two globally – dedicated to providing timely and high-quality forecasts, observations, and information on vegetation fires and smoke pollution. The Specialised Meteorological Centre for Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution will primarily focus on predicting air quality and tracking the spread of haze using advanced forecasting models.
“The centre aims to support decision-making in emergency response, environmental protection, public health management, fire management, and law enforcement,” stated Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on September 4. “We hope these climate data will help our regional partners develop and adjust their climate adaptation strategies.” Minister Fu made these remarks at a regional forum organised by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) and WMO.
Hosted by the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), the new centre became operational this month. The other centre is located in Canada, a country frequently affected by wildfires. Both Singapore and Canada were chosen to host these centres during the WMO executive council’s 78th session in Geneva in June.
Centre’s Functions
The centre will draw the WMO’s focus to Southeast Asia, a region particularly vulnerable to smoke and pollution, explained Ms. Koh Li-Na, director of ASMC, which MSS has hosted for the past 30 years.
Ms. Koh noted that the new centre will expand on ASMC’s existing work, including haze monitoring, weather forecasting, and developing climate-related tools for the region. “In the new centre, we will introduce additional products and techniques to better understand haze movement,” said Ms Koh. These products may assist in processing images and modelling wind and dispersion when direct observations are not possible, she added.
With Southeast Asian countries at risk of losing 35% of their GDP by 2050 due to climate change, scientists emphasise the urgent need to improve haze detection and prediction. Climate change exacerbates haze in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, and the haze itself contributes to global warming, researchers have noted.
Regional Collaboration
Ms. Koh highlighted that a centre serving Southeast Asia will foster community and ecosystem collaboration. The centre will work with researchers and meteorological services across the region.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department is already providing data on forest and peatland fire risks in the region, she mentioned. “We aim to engage more regional partners to explore innovations beyond our current capabilities,” she said.
In a July outlook report, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs rated the risk of transboundary haze in 2024 as low, partly due to wetter weather conditions. “This centre will enhance regional capabilities with a specific focus on Southeast Asia, which is crucial for WMO and global efforts to address regional issues,” said WMO’s secretary general Celeste Saulo.
Source: CNA