Singapore's Environment Journey: Achieving Clean, Green, and Sustainable Living

1. Singapore’s Environment Journey Loh Ah Tuan Member, Panel of Experts Centre for Liveable Cities, Singapore Former Deputy CEO/Director-General National Environment Agency, Singapore June 2017

2. In the 1950s & 60s ... Poverty and unemployment

3. Houses without proper sanitation

4. Street hawkers

5. Poultry slaughtering

6. Pollution from lighters

7. Pollution from factories

8. After Singapore’s independence in 1965industrialization to provide employment This had led to serious environmental problems …

9. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, economic development and population increase put tremendous pressure • Environment • Water resources

10. Clean air • Clean drinking water from the tap • Waste is collected daily for disposal • Good public hygiene

11. How did Singapore achieve clean, green and environmental sustainability?How did Singapore attain good living standards and become one of the most liveable cities in the world?

12. Singapore’s Environment Journey

13. A Clear Vision “AClean, Green and Good Living Environment ”

14. Political Vision, Wisdom and Leadership Balancing • Economic Development • Social Progress • Environment Protection

15. Vision Reality Key Factors Long-term Planning Innovation on Policy and Technology Pragmatic and Effective Approach

16. Critical Success Factors • Building up environmental infrastructure • Communicating the Vision • Building Capabilities • Adopting a practical, cost-effective and efficient approach • Sustaining the environment • Contributing to high quality of life

17. Fundamental Principles • Control Pollution at Source • "Polluter Pays" Principle • Pre-empt and Take Early Action • Innovation/Technology • Resource Conservation • Environmental Ownership

18. Key Strategies • Incorporate Environment Factors into Land Use Planning • Environment Infrastructure • Environment Legislation & Enforcement • Environment Monitoring • Environment Education

19. Integrated Land Use Planning Land Use Planning • Land for critical environmental infra facilities • Environmental controls in land-use planning Development Control & Planning Approval • Compliance of environmental regulations • Incorporate environmental measures in developments

20. Environment Infrastructure • Integrated Solid Waste Management System • Water/Wastewater Facilities

21. Environmental Legislation • Environmental Protection & Management Act and Regulations • Environmental Public Health Act and Regulations • Sewerage and Drainage Act and Regulations

22. Enforcement • Checks on industries and mobile sources • Industrial effluents and air emissions meet standards • Control dispose of toxic industrial waste • Control of smoky vehicles Pragmatic approach to control pollution

23. Environmental Monitoring Air and water quality monitoring • Assess nature and magnitude of pollution • Assess adequacy and effectiveness of control programs • Trend for review of policies and standards • Guidance on planning future land use and pollution control

24. Environmental Education • Instill environmental awareness • Inculcate environmental ownership

25. Done well so far….. But in future?

26. Environmental Sustainability Environmental Performance Some way to go before achieving environmental sustainability

27. Challenges Growing global community expectations Small tropical island High population density Risingconsumerism Rising environmental consciousness Limited natural resources

28. What more can Singapore do?

29. Fundamental Principles • Control Pollution at Source • "Polluter Pays" Principle • Pre-empt and Take Early Action • Innovation/Technology • Resource Conservation • Environmental Ownership

30. Innovation/Technology Semakau Landfill – First man-made offshore landfill Ulu PandanNewater Plant

31. Resource Conservation • Waste Recycling • Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy

32. Environmental Ownership

34. Approach • Communication • Engagement • Empowerment MISSION: “OWNERSHIP”

35. Singapore’s Environment • Far from perfect • challenges to overcome • higher standards to be achieved • greater awareness and better behavior to be fostered • Clean Environment • can be achieved by other cities • a model, scalable, replicable in other cities

36. What will Singapore be like in 50 years from now?

37. Key Challenges • Climate Change • Complacency

38. Going Forward Political Leadership • Clear Vision • Balance economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability Public Service • Good, effective policies and administration • Apply sound economic principles to environmental policy and decision-making • Public officers working as an integrated government – breaking down silo mentality Private Sector • Partnership with government • Innovation, opportunities in green economy

39. Going Forward People • Environmentally responsible lifestyle • Environmental culture Resource Conservation • 3R, energy efficiency, renewable energy Research and Innovation • Green Technology • Energy • Water • Climate Change Global Leadership • Share lessons and successes in environmental sustainability

40. Need to Do As Singapore forges into the future in a sustainable manner economically, environmentally and socially to create a liveable home in generations to come • Long-term and big picture • Limitations - Recognize environment’s ability to meet both present and future needs • Sustainability - Needs of the present do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs • Responsible global citizen

41. Thank you