Singapore getting green

Even though Singapore was not known for environmental activism in the past, things have been changing for the best in the last 50 years, and the city is becoming greener than its Asian neighbours. Indeed, people have become aware that something had to be done to save the planet and they have been very active on environmental issues. So let’s see what has been implemented to make Singapore an eco friendly place.

Petitions, bans or taxes on plastic have recently been supported by the inhabitants of Singapore who understand the problems that this material engenders. No wonder when we know how deeply involved in environmental issues they are ! In fact, they have clearly understood that the situation in the country could not continue since 1965, when Singapore became independent. Then, the island was filled with slums, open sewers, congestion... everything that one would like to see disappear. Since then, new developments have been made and today, Singapore is a place where people like to live, all the more as it is expanding considerably.

Such awareness led the government to adopt a green building attitude which became mandatory in 2008 : green roofs, vertical gardens spread all over the country and nature can be found everywhere. That is the reason why Singapore is also known as the Garden City. And greenery does not only grow on the ground : you can find green spaces on top of buildings. People use them as recreation places and even go jogging or flying kites there. A network connecting parks together has been built, too, and people like gathering there and walk. The largest freshwater reservoir in the world lies in Marina Bay, and hundreds of miles of walking or cycling trails criss-cross the island. Proximity to schools, healthcare or entertainment is offered to the residents, and priority is given to an affordable railway network which helps reduce traffic congestion. Singapore’s biodiversity is very rich. Indeed, 3 000 trees have been planted and a rainforest stands in the heart of the island.

By 2030, 80 % of the buildings will be green because the aim of the authorities is to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. People will work in centres located near their homes and will not have to drive long distances to get there : most of them will walk or ride to work.
As Singapore is quite a limited space, underground spaces will be used just as sky space was used when they started redefining the urban development. They want to prove that in spite of high density development (8 200 inhabitants per square kilometer !), quality of life can be achieved. As you can see, sustainability and well-being are the keywords of Singapore’s policy.

Lots of countries in the world are densely populated, but this must not prevent them from adopting an eco friendly attitude. Singapore, which has not always been a good example as far as the environment is concerned, tends to prove that anybody can achieve great expectations providing they really want to. Moreover, we do not have the choice and sustainability must be at the center of our preoccupations.