1. Environment considerations
a) life-support systems of the global environment and nature in providing ecosystem services
b) limitations of Singapore’s physical environment and possible threats including transboundary haze and climate change
2. Economic and social considerations
a) ability of Singapore society to advance its economy
b) commitment and contribution from all stakeholders in society
3. Political considerations
a) good governance with strong political willpower
b) commitment to develop and improve long term plans in sustainable development
Environmental consideration
Human activities like agriculture, forestry, fishing, and livestock-rearing benefit from and influence ecosystem services, the extent to which Singapore can develop sustainably is dependent on the global environment and nature at large.
Climate change has brought about an increase in global temperatures, and this has led to higher mean temperatures worsening the urban heat island effect in Singapore, affecting these ecosystems. All of these have had economic impacts on development. For example, the increase in mean annual temperature in Singapore from 26.9 degrees celsius to 28 degrees celsius has led to greater use of air-conditioning and resulted in the consumption of more energy resources.
Singapore’s physical environment is also subjected to potential regional and global threats including trans-boundary haze and climate change. Regional anthropogenic activities like land-use change and forest fires could pose threats to Singapore’s air quality. Singapore’s limited land area and dense urban landscape also limit the use of renewable energy options like solar and wind power on an island-wide scale to supply Singapore’s energy needs.
Economic and social consideration
Ability to advance its economy.
Though the economy is paramount to its survival, Singapore is a green and blue city-state with high economic growth and high quality of life. For example, Jurong Island (Figure 4) is a key pillar of Singapore’s economy. It was reclaimed to be a premier petrochemical hub to reduce the economy’s dependence on electronics manufacturing in the 1990s.
Commitment and contribution from all stakeholders in society.
Commitment and contribution from all stakeholders are important to ensure Singapore’s sustainable development. For example, Chek Jawa, an intertidal flat located in Pulau Ubin, was slated for reclamation in 2002, but due to strong feedback from stakeholders about its unique biodiversity and educational value, the government decided to defer the reclamation
Political consideration
Good governance with strong political willpower.
Under Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership, the pioneering government was able to conceptualise the city-state in which they envisioned Singaporeans would want to live in: a living space with clean air, safe drinking water, sanitation, quality healthcare, good education, lush greenery and a sense of safety.
Aside from having a clear vision, this governance was backed with political willpower that allowed resources to be intentionally dedicated to allow Singapore to develop sustainably in the face of competing immediate needs.
For example, the government used about $40 billion of our reserves, or national savings, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Our reserves are a key defence in times of crisis, enabling the government to mount a decisive and effective response to pandemics, natural calamities, wars or economic crises.
Commitment to develop and improve long-term sustainable development plans.
The Singapore Green Plan (SGP)help to strengthen Singapore’s commitments under the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement, and positioning the nation to achieve its long-term net-zero emissions aspiration as soon as viable because the nation might face severe environmental and climate-related consequences if collective efforts to decarbonise are inadequate.
In the 2022 Singapore Budget, the government has also affirmed its SGP commitment to the Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy goal to halve Singapore’s emissions from its peak by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions around 2050. Hence Singapore has planned to progressively increase its carbon tax across all sectors, starting with $25 per tonne in 2024 and 2025 and eventually up to $50 - $80 by 2030.