More plans foiled by the haze – last Tuesday (15 Sep 2015), I told my LSM2251 Ecology and the Environment students working on their Ecological Observations in Singapore Symposium projects to suspend field trips when haze pollutants levels were too high, as specified by NUS guidelines.
Since then, there have been very few hours available for adequate field observations. I spent the week in even closer monitoring of NEA’s 1-hr PM2.5 (µg/m3) readings and AQI predictions, and during this time updated the Haze Advisory to Coastal Cleanup Organisers (had them consult hourly PM2.5 (µg/m3) readings), and eventually I also cancelled the 19 Sep 2015 cleanup which we had spent months planning for.
Precise predictions about the persistence of the haze or of strategic action on the ground in Sumatra are not available. And scientists warn of severe short and long-term impact from fine particles in the environment less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). There will be students who will risk the haze to complete the symposium projects. Last Saturday, six organisations wanted to press ahead in unfavourable haze conditions, forcing me to cancel ICCS altogether.
Thus I issued an email to students this afternoon, cancelling the 11th LSM2251 Ecological Observations in Singapore symposium. And told them about webreathewhatwebuy.com.
Oh well, safety first.
Now to think of alternative practicals.
Otterman speaks... 