Commenting on Singapore's rising mean maximum temperatures, SMU Associate Professor of Science, Technology and Society Winston Chow said, "The increase in mean extreme temperature is consistent with the scientific assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Singapore's temperature is rising because of an increase in greenhouse gas emissions both locally and regionally." He and another academic warned that unless Singapore and surrounding countries cut down greenhouse gas emissions, the temperature will continue to rise in the foreseeable future. Assoc Prof Chow added, "The increase in temperature will result in more vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly and workers who spend a prolonged period of time working under the sun, being more susceptible to heat-related illnesses."