SMU Urban Institute and SULTREE Lab Shine at Inaugural ASMC Regional Forum
The SMU Urban Institute and The SULTREE Lab made significant strides at the inaugural ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) - World Meteorological Organization (WMO) regional forum, held over 2.5 days. The event fostered critical discussions on climate resilience, adaptation, and early warning systems, drawing attention to the urgent need for coordinated efforts in addressing climate change in Southeast Asia.
Minister Grace Fu from Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment opened the forum with a compelling address. This was followed by a keynote from WMO Secretary-General, Prof. Celeste Saulo, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions. Prof. Winston Chow, Co-chair of the IPCC’s Working Group II and Urban Fellow & Pillar Lead (Infrastructure) at the SMU Urban Institute, moderated a high-level dialogue. The conversation focused on the region’s climate change impacts and the importance of adaptation strategies that involve multiple stakeholders.
The forum also featured valuable contributions from SMU’s own Ms. Beatrice Ho, Research Assistant at the College of Integrative Studies and part of the Cooling Singapore 2.0's Urban Climate Risks team, and Ms. Lee Yeung, Senior Manager at the Urban Institute. Ho and Yeung served as Rapporteur and Session Facilitator for the World Café, a session that explored how climate projections and services can aid national efforts in areas such as food and water security, human health, and urban planning for sustainable development.
Dr. Juli Trtanj from NOAA also delivered a key presentation on the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to climate resilience. Her talk highlighted the Center for Heat Resilient Communities, led by Prof. V. Kelly Turner from UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, who had also given a talk at the Institute in July.
Key takeaways from the event included:
- Cross-regional shared data access
- Technical exchanges
- Funding mechanisms
- Local and international communications channels
- Cross-border collaborations
The forum underscored the significance of collaborative approaches in addressing climate change, particularly through shared knowledge and resources. Insights from regional experts reinforced the need for continued engagement in tackling climate challenges. The SMU Urban Institute and SULTREE Lab look forward to future participation in similar forums, contributing to global climate resilience efforts.
More info on the forum: https://lnkd.in/gAf2fVc8
Prof Turner's talk in July: https://lnkd.in/gumC4J2M
News Report from Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报: https://lnkd.in/g8t4ZphE
