Why did the climate change?

Because it was feeling hot.

There's been a lot of talk about global warming and climate change, and it seems to be accelerating recently with scientists saying that we have actually already reached the tipping point. Not 10 years, 50 years, but right now. Looks like all the warnings that we've heard over the years have done nothing to slow it down, and instead, many politicians and companies have decided, nah, let's pump more carbon dioxide into the air - see what happens.

On the flip side, I recently listened to a podcast that says individuals can have a bigger impact on saving the planet than we thought. Basically, it's doing the right thing (e.g. recycling) and then convincing your friends to do the same (i.e. going viral?). Apparently, all the climate models have not taken into consideration social learning - humans adapting by making changes to their lifestyle choices. Which basically means that things will have to get worse before they get better.

Straits Times picture of a large tree being transplanted.

In Singapore, although I've noticed large swaths of land being stripped of trees and vegetation for urbanisation (do we really really really need more buildings?), I've also read about solar panel projects and noticed everywhere I go that new trees are being planted. You can tell which ones are new by the metal posts and ropes used for support - I think as a country, we've become experts in transplanting trees, old and new, all over the place, including in the middle of junctions and in between lamp posts - but I'm not complaining, the more trees the better, as long as they manage to flourish and grow.

So things are getting real (hot), but we're all in this together. Reduce, cut down (not trees), wear less. And plant a tree (or ten) if you can!