Helena Joyce
Singapore has implemented various measures to reduce pollution and improve its environmental sustainability. The country faces challenges due to its rapid urbanisation and limited land resources, which have led to environmental issues such as air pollution, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. To combat these issues, Singapore has introduced initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan, which aims to monitor and protect the country's flora and fauna, as well as the Plastic-Lite Singapore campaign, which encourages the reduction of single-use plastics. Singapore has also adopted policies to promote cleaner transportation, frozen the growth of private transport, and tightened emission standards for vehicles and industrial plants. Additionally, Singapore is a part of the global BreatheLife campaign, working towards improving air quality and reducing air pollution-related deaths by 2030.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air quality targets | Singapore's domestic air quality targets are aligned with the World Health Organization's guidelines, which were adopted by the country in 2012. |
| Multi-pronged approach | Regulation, incentives, enforcement, monitoring, and education |
| Vehicular emissions | Implemented Euro VI emission standards for petrol and diesel vehicles |
| Fuel quality | Implemented Euro V standard for petrol and diesel quality |
| Industrial emissions | Tightened emission standards for pollutants such as mercury, cadmium, lead, ammonia, and hydrogen fluoride |
| Regional cooperation | Works with ASEAN member states to address transboundary haze pollution through the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) |
| Climate action | Designated 2018 as the Year of Climate Action and committed to the 2015 Paris Agreement |
| Public transportation | Announced a freeze on private transport growth while expanding public transport options |
| Carbon tax | Introduced a carbon tax in 2019 to encourage emissions reductions and the adoption of low-carbon technologies |
| Single-use plastics | Initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics, with companies responding to consumer demand for sustainability |
| Business involvement | Companies such as Singtel Group, Siloso Beach Resort, City Development Limited, and Swire Pacific Offshore have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability |
| Water treatment | Treats polluted water into drinkable water at specialized centres, such as NEWater |
| Environmental education | Increasing emphasis on including environmental education in the school curriculum |
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What You'll Learn
Singapore's reduction of air pollution
Singapore has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution, a pressing issue for the densely populated city-state.
One key strategy is the Singapore Green Plan, first introduced in 1992, with updated versions released in 2012 and 2021, known as the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This plan aims to monitor the country's flora and fauna populations, develop new nature parks, and connect existing parks. Singapore has also joined the global BreatheLife campaign, which aims to reduce deaths from air pollution by 2030. As part of this campaign, Singapore has committed to meeting specific air quality targets, including reducing particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and ozone levels.
To reduce vehicular emissions, Singapore has adopted stricter emission standards for petrol and diesel vehicles, moving from Euro IV to Euro VI standards for petrol and Euro V to Euro VI for diesel. These changes aim to decrease ambient levels of harmful substances such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Additionally, the country has implemented a freeze on private transport growth while expanding public transportation options. Singapore has also introduced tighter emission standards for industrial plants, targeting pollutants like mercury, cadmium, lead, ammonia, and hydrogen fluoride.
Singapore is also addressing transboundary air pollution, such as smoke haze from land and forest fires in neighbouring countries, through regional cooperation within ASEAN and the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP). The country is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as evidenced by companies like the Singtel Group pledging to cut emissions and the planned introduction of a carbon tax in 2019 to encourage emissions reduction and the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
Furthermore, Singapore is taking corrective measures to tackle water pollution, treating affected water at specialised centres like NEWater, and transforming the Singapore River from a polluted waterway into a clean recreation spot and source of drinking water.
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The country's water pollution treatment
Singapore has adopted a multi-pronged approach to secure a sustainable water supply. The country has developed a robust and diversified water supply from four sources: local catchments, imported water, NEWater, and desalinated water.
Local catchments have been a vital source of water for Singapore. The country has dammed all major estuaries to create reservoirs, and plans are in place to increase water catchment from two-thirds to 90% of the nation's land area. However, due to Singapore's small size, urban development often occurs near or within these water catchment areas, leading to potential water pollution from human activities. To combat this, Singapore has implemented separate rainwater and used water collection systems, strong environmental controls, and good land use planning policies to protect the collected rainwater from pollution.
Imported water is another source, with Singapore entitled to draw up to 250 million gallons of raw water per day from the Johor River under the 1962 Water Agreement with the Johor State. In return, Singapore provides treated water to Johor, amounting to 2% of the imported volume.
NEWater, a pillar of Singapore's water sustainability strategy, is high-grade reclaimed water produced through a three-step treatment process: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection. This water has passed over 150,000 scientific tests, meeting World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water quality. NEWater enhances Singapore's water supply resilience, allowing the country to recycle and reuse water endlessly.
Desalinated water is also an essential part of Singapore's strategy as an island surrounded by the sea. While it is a weather-resilient source, desalination is energy-intensive, so Singapore is investing in research and development to reduce the energy consumption of this process.
Singapore's comprehensive approach to water pollution treatment, including diversifying water sources, reclaiming and reusing water, and implementing strict environmental controls, showcases its commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply for its population.
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Green transport initiatives
Singapore has implemented various green transport initiatives to reduce pollution and work towards its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Transport is the country's third-largest CO2-equivalent emitter, accounting for about 16% of total emissions.
To promote the use of active mobility, the government is investing heavily in infrastructure for walking and cycling. The Islandwide Cycling Network programme, for instance, plans to increase Singapore's cycling network to more than 1300 km by 2030. Efforts are also underway to repurpose existing road space to enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Singapore is also encouraging the use of public transport and transitioning to a cleaner-energy vehicle population. The country aims to increase the mass public transport modal share during peak hours to 75% by 2030 and for Walk-Cycle-Ride modes to make up 90% of peak-period journeys by 2040. The rail lines and stations are built with sustainability in mind, with several receiving the BCA Green Mark GoldPLUS certification for their environmentally friendly features.
To support electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Singapore has introduced tax incentives, regulations, and an expanded EV charger network. New registrations of diesel cars and taxis have been banned from 2025, while all new car and taxi registrations from 2030 will be cleaner-energy models. The country has also implemented Euro VI emission standards for petrol and diesel vehicles to reduce ambient levels of pollutants.
Singapore has also joined the #BreatheLife campaign, committing to reducing deaths from air pollution by 2030. The country's domestic air quality targets are aligned with the World Health Organization's guidelines, and it continually monitors and works towards meeting its targets for particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.
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Singapore's role in the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
Singapore has been actively involved in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) efforts to address transboundary haze pollution. The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed in 2002, is a legally binding treaty aimed at reducing haze pollution in the region. Singapore, as a member state, has played a significant role in this agreement.
Firstly, Singapore is part of the Sub-regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution (MSC), which includes Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This committee addresses haze-related issues in the southern ASEAN region. Additionally, Singapore is home to the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC), which plays a crucial role in monitoring and assessing land and forest fires and the resulting smoke haze. The ASMC provides valuable data and information to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC), facilitating cooperation and coordination among the parties to manage the impact of fires and haze.
Singapore has also taken proactive steps to address the root causes of haze pollution. In 2013, Singapore offered to work directly with Indonesian farmers to promote sustainable practices and reduce the problem at its source. This initiative aimed to tackle the issue of haze arising from land and forest fires in Indonesia, which has been a significant contributor to transboundary haze pollution in the region.
In 2014, Singapore enacted the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to hold accountable those who cause harm across national boundaries through emissions. This legislation demonstrates Singapore's commitment to addressing transboundary haze pollution and taking action against those responsible.
Furthermore, Singapore has contributed to the development and implementation of joint haze monitoring systems within ASEAN. In 2013, ASEAN leaders approved a joint haze monitoring system with Singapore's support, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to tackling haze pollution through regional cooperation and the sharing of resources and expertise.
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The Singapore Green Plan
Singapore has implemented various measures to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. One notable initiative is the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which is a comprehensive strategy with five key pillars: "City in Nature", "Sustainable Living", "Energy Reset", "Green Economy", and "Resilient Future". These pillars are supported by the principles of Green Government and Green Citizenry.
Under the Green Plan, Singapore aims to achieve long-term net-zero emissions by 2050, strengthening its commitments under the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement. The plan sets ambitious targets over the next decade, such as reducing waste deposited into the Semakau landfill by 20% by 2026 and 30% by 2030 as part of the Zero Waste Masterplan. Additionally, Singapore aims to become a carbon services hub and a sustainable tourism destination.
To empower its citizens to take action, Singapore has introduced initiatives like Plastic-Lite Singapore, which encourages companies to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Singapore has also adopted policies to promote cleaner transportation, such as implementing higher emission standards for vehicles and freezing private transport growth while expanding public transport options. Furthermore, Singapore has committed to reducing industrial emissions by tightening standards for pollutants from industrial plants.
The country actively monitors its air quality and aligns its domestic targets with the World Health Organization's guidelines. As a BreatheLife city, Singapore is dedicated to reducing deaths from air pollution and works collaboratively with other countries in the region to address transboundary air pollution. Singapore's sustainable development approach involves intergovernmental cooperation and the integration of sustainability into key business areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Singapore is the first Southeast Asian city to join the BreatheLife campaign, which aims to reduce the number of deaths from air pollution by 2030. Singapore has implemented Euro VI emission standards for petrol and diesel vehicles, which reduce ambient levels of pollutants in the city. To reduce industrial emissions, the country announced tightened emission standards over a range of pollutants for new and existing industrial plants.
Singapore has limited water resources, so water quality is carefully regulated. One major water body that used to be polluted is the Singapore River, which has been transformed from an open sewer into a clean recreation spot and source of drinking water. Plants such as NEWater treat unwanted water into drinkable water.
Singapore has initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics, with companies responding to consumer demand for more sustainable products.
Singapore has adopted policies to promote cleaner and greener transport, including a freeze on private transport growth while expanding public transport options. The country has also introduced higher fuel quality standards to reduce emissions from vehicles.
The Singapore Green Plan was established in 1992 to help with environmental issues and was updated in 2012. It has since been superseded by the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which aims to monitor the populations of fauna and flora, establish new nature parks, and connect existing parks.
