Cities are hotspots, literally

Tackling the issue of urban heat islands

May 16, 2024

Feature of the week

Where we live is getting warmer, but we can do something about it

From 1885 to 2019, the annual mean temperature in Hong Kong has risen by 0.13 degrees every decade. A similar trend can be seen in other densely packed cities, which is why they’re called urban heat islands (UHIs)—cities are much warmer than the countryside due to higher levels of industrialization.

Close to seven billion people are expected to live in cities by 2050. But as our planet becomes hotter, the issue of UHIs will worsen as city folks face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and asthma.

Across Asia, policymakers and researchers are finding ways to mitigate the effects of UHIs. From changing our building materials to harnessing wind power, every initiative—no matter how small—can make our homes cooler.

p/s: The latest print issue of Asian Scientist Magazine is out! Subscribe to read more stories on the topic of heat.

Raise your hand if you want to be a culturally savvy leader 🙋‍♀️ 


There’s still time to apply for the EcosySTEM Asia Summit for Leaders in STEM!

This transformative two-day in-person leadership summit is designed to help you create a powerful professional identity, navigate your leadership journey, and fuel your career trajectory.

🌟 How do you build a professional brand that showcases your authentic leadership style?

🌟 Are your leadership skills keeping pace with today’s multicultural woke society?

🌟 How do you leverage cultural awareness to become a more impactful leader?

Taking place on 26–27 June at Suntec Convention Center, Singapore, this year’s summit shines a spotlight on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and how it plays a critical role in defining your leadership journey.

Scan the QR code above or click the link below to apply for the summit. Application is open until 31 May 2024.

📢 EcosySTEM’s Virtual Fireside Chat is back this 31 May!


With the continuing impact of economic instability and retrenchments on our professional lives, how can we remain resilient and adopt a positive mindset?

This May, EcosySTEM Asia invites Sha-En Yeo, Founder of Happiness Scientists, to share her expertise in positive psychology and how we can leverage this at work and in life.

Let’s explore how ✨ positivity ✨ could make a difference in our careers in this one-hour virtual fireside chat, which will touch on various points such as the common misconceptions about positivity in the workplace and practical strategies to nurture our mental wellbeing.

Admission is complimentary. Click the button to register for this chat happening at 4:00pm (SGT) on 31 May 2024.

Editorial highlights

ENVIRONMENT

Inspired by the white beetle, researchers have invented a new cooling ceramic with a solar reflectivity of 99.6 percent.

PRINT

Increasing marine heatwaves are breaking the resilience of aquatic life with long-term consequences for coastal communities.

SPONSORED FEATURE

As part of a continuing effort to bridge the gender gap for women scientists, L’Oréal Singapore celebrated three outstanding women researchers in the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 2023 program. Dr Leow Wan Ru, Dr Yang Le and Dr Xue Shifeng each received S$10,000 to advance their research.

Prefer to read our magazine in print?

Subscribe to the print version of Asian Scientist Magazine and receive a complimentary copy of our sister print title, Supercomputing Asia.

Meet the Asian Scientist 100 Community

University of the Philippines | Philippines 🇵🇭 | Environmental Sciences & Geology

Yñiguez was named one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service awardees for her contributions to marine science research. She works with local communities to advocate sustainable fishing practices. She recently collaborated with the local fishing and agricultural bureau to propose the use of artificial intelligence as an early-warning system for harmful algal blooms.

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research | India 🇮🇳 | Aerospace & Astronomy

Kanekar was awarded the 2022 Infosys Prize in Physical Sciences for his study of galaxies in the “high noon” era when stars were being formed at a maximum rate. His careful astronomical investigations have placed the strongest limit on possible secular variation of the fine structure constant and the electron-to-proton mass ratio.