Climate Connections

Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the ocean, are key underwater ecosystems that support a rich variety of marine life. Despite their crucial role in sustaining life underwater, the existence of coral reefs are coming under increasing pressure due to climate change and human activities.  Marine scientists Dr Karenne Tun, Director, Coastal & Marine and Terrestrial Branches National Biodiversity Centre, NParks, and Associate Professor Huang Danwei, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NUS - share their first-hand accounts of the current state of Singapore's reefs following major bleaching in 2016 and 2017, and how the city-state is embarking on an ambitious journey to plant and grow 100,000 corals. Story produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Voiced by: Lynlee Foo Music/photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors Photo credits: Yeo Kai Ting

It’s a wake-up call, as this year’s ongoing spring wildfires in Canada get fiercer - working their way closer to the country’s worst on record. With future fires projected to be hotter and larger, we dig deep to uncover some of the root causes, impact on biodiversity, and how scientists are working to better tackle the situation, one genetic fragment at a time - with Dr Karen Hodges, Professor for Conservation Biology at The University of British Columbia and Elizabeth Clare, Assistant Professor of Biology at York University. Story produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Voiced by: Ryan Huang Music/sound credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors