How can Singapore beat the rising heat? It will take more than air conditioning

August 31, 2025

Dear readers,

When out and about in Singapore these days, the whir of the handheld electric fan has become a normal part of our ambient noise.

The portable device has become a necessity for many, something to whip out for a spot of quick relief when the blazing sun feels like too much and an air-conditioned space is out of reach.

But experts say our increasing reliance on cooling appliances may not be the best way forward as we face a hotter future.

After all, the use of these energy-dependent devices only exacerbates the climate crisis. The real long-term solution, they say, is to learn to adapt - not just individually, but on an infrastructural level.

The good news is that even as global temperatures break new record highs, new materials and technologies are being developed to build sustainable structures and equipment to keep us cool.

In this week's Big Read, CNA TODAY takes a look at these innovations and digs into how we can all become more resilient to heat.

Yours faithfully,

Yasmine Yahya

Deputy Chief Editor, CNA Digital (TODAY, Lifestyle & Luxury)

From 'fungi tiles' to S$400 cooling vests: How can Singapore keep its cool as temperatures rise?