Tropical Cyclones in Malaysia
Climate Change and Greenhouse Effects
Global warming caused by greenhouse effects has silently and gradually brought us more precipitation , a higher sea level , more intense heat waves and stronger winds , increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters .
There has been a phenomenal increase in the average surface temperature of the earth due to the exponential increase in the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in the past century . These gases include carbon dioxide , methane , nitrous oxide and water vapour . The gases derive primarily from the combustion of fossil fuel for power generation as well as agricultural and industrial activities . Greenhouse gases possess high thermal capacity , which enable them to retain more heat compared to other gases , causing an increase in the average atmospheric temperature .
The consequential impact of global warming on the built environment and buildings includes more flash floods due to heavier rainfall , occasional uplifted roofs due to stronger winds and more intense thermal stress . Urban heat island effect and the close proximity of high-rise buildings in urban areas also cause increased wind velocity .
The impact of global warming has been experienced in our country , particularly in Northern and Eastern Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah , over the past decade . Strong winds , storms and floods have been disrupting our society and damaging our buildings every year , bringing about flash floods , soil erosion , landslides , falling trees , injuries and fatalities . Damage to buildings has been immense . In 2019 , the Kuala Lumpur City Hall had to bear an estimated RM350,000 for the repair of damaged roofs caused by a storm in the Desa Rejang Public Housing in Setapak ( The Star Online , May 21 , 2020 ). In the same year , the Works Minister said in Kuching that the Federal Government had allocated RM100 million for repairs of schools damaged by storms , to be carried out in 2019 ( MSN online Sept 27 , 2019 ). Coupled with the damage suffered from Tropical Cyclones like Greg and Vamei , and other storms , the amount for rectification is a burdensome sum for the Government and the private sector in the long run .
Drought , Heat Waves , Haze and Wildfires
Drought , haze and wildfires are other disasters related to climate change in Malaysia . During a dry Southwest Monsoon season from May to September 2020 , several areas across the country recorded
average temperatures of between 33 ° C to 34 ° C , a few degrees short of a heat wave .
The health impact of heat waves is widely understood . However , little is known about the adverse environmental impact on buildings .
39