Environmental Issues and Sustainability Challenges

The assignment is a collection of academic papers and research articles that discuss environmental issues and sustainability challenges in Singapore. The topics covered include climate change, urbanization, coastal habitat degradation, and the impact of human activities on the environment. The assignment also highlights the importance of ecological engineering and green-roof initiatives in mitigating these challenges.

Running head: ENVIRONMENT CLIMATE CHANGE
Reflective writing on exposure to climactic issues
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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Abstract
Environment is the property of a nation as a whole. Maintaining the natural environment is
therefore a collaborative responsibility of government in one hand and the people of that nation
as well. There can be sudden changes in the environment, which affect the life and property of
the people. For last few decades, countries like Singapore have been suffering from intense
environmental challenges such as deforestation, water and air pollution. These issues have
resulted in the loss of resources and both terrestrial as well as aquatic life forms. The huma being
however, are to be blamed for over-exploiting the resources fulfilling their excessive
requirements. In most of the cases, the government of the countries along with various
organizations take responsibility to spread awareness among people about taking timely
precautions to avert such sudden environmental changes. Only the judicious use of resources,
people would make a noticeable contribution towards sustaining enough resources for the future
generation. For this, willingness and eagerness are crucial and this will help in achieving positive
results. A little initiative from the people and the government would make the planet a better
place to live in.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Body.................................................................................................................................................3
Deforestation................................................................................................................................3
Land reclamation.........................................................................................................................4
Air pollution.................................................................................................................................5
Water pollution............................................................................................................................6
Critical analysis of the issue........................................................................................................7
Mitigation....................................................................................................................................8
Climate action blog....................................................................................................................10
Singapore emission statistics.....................................................................................................10
Recommendations towards mitigation......................................................................................11
Summary........................................................................................................................................14
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
References and bibliography.........................................................................................................16

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Introduction
It gives me immense pleasure to project Singapore. It is one of the greatest global
financial hub where development usher environmental changes. The country experiences a
tropical climate with plenty of rain. However, issues like air and water pollution along with
deforestation covers Singapore in the black sheet (Gov.sg, 2018). I wonder at the intensity of
these issues, which adversely affect the ecological biodiversity of the region. I can provide
detailed analysis of how these issues have been affecting the life as well as balance of natural
wealth of the country.
Body
Deforestation
In the year 1819, when Singapore was formed the government had cleared almost 95% of
the vegetation through deforestation. It was some of the major drives to develop the country. It
aimed to promote urbanization and industrialization as well as increasing production of the short-
term cash crops. To the scholars it must be shocking to discover that 61 out of 91 bird species
became extinct as they had lost their shelter due to deforestation.

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Figure 1: Deforestation in Singapore
(Source: Gov.sg, 2018)
Along with this, most of the forest plants lost the reproductive capability because of
pollination and loss of seed dispersal process. According to the statistics, 1980 was the period
when there was an increase in the demand for land utilization (Gov.sg, 2018). This resulted in
90% loss of the forests; 67% extinction of the birds’ species. It is also alarming to point out that
40% of the mammals along with 5% of the amphibians and reptiles were extinct due to this
extensive deforestation.
Land reclamation
In order to expand the territory of the country, the contemporary government of
Singapore followed the path of land reclamation. I was surprised to know that the initiative of
land reclamation expanded towards the shores of Singapore. consequently, there has been an
increase of 22% land revived from the shores, compared to the amount that Singapore had at the
time of its independence. One of the most striking facts, which I will be pointing out, is the
import of sand in the last 20 years by Singapore from other places. It almost imported of 517

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million tons of sand to build the newly planned infrastructure of the city (Gov.sg, 2018). This
activity has bestowed it the tag of “largest importer of sand” in the world. The source country
was Indonesia and Malaysia. However, sand import was stopped due to the disappearance of 24
islands. This issue of sand dredging in Cambodia attracted the attention of the environmentalists
as it was responsible for rescinding away the livelihood of the village people, whose main
occupation was fishing. Moreover, this sand dredging increased vulnerability of the endangered
species that inhabited in the coastal areas.
Air pollution
Figure 2: Air pollution in Singapore

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(Source: Gov.sg, 2018)
It was an unfortunate incident that in 1984, a great number of people were affected by air
pollution as the infections spread from pig farms. This particular incident was so intense that it
resulted in reduction of the number of pig farms at that time. In addition to this, in 1996,
Singapore topped the list of the world’s highest carbon emitting country as on that specific year,
65.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide was emitted (Gov.sg, 2018). The environmentalists were
concerned about the lawlessness of the country. The unlimited permissions to the vehicles and
less awareness about carbon emission, empowered the drivers not to follow the vehicular
regulations. This results in air pollution in the city and as the number of trees are fast decreasing
for urbanization, the situation is grave.
Water pollution
Figure 3: Water pollution in Singapore

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(Source: Gov.sg, 2018)
In addition to this, reduction of fresh water is fast increasing. In one hand, the industrial
wastes are contributing to water pollution and in other hand, fresh water is being waste
constantly. These have a great impact on the marine species as well as the aquatic animals living
in fresh water. The water flowing in and out of the trading vessels is one of the chief source of
pollution (Gov.sg, 2018). This is due to the fact that these ships or steamers are carrying oils
which is getting mixed in the sea water and affecting the aquatic live to a great extent.
Critical analysis of the issue
The issues of deforestation, land reclamation, air pollution and water pollution contribute
a lot to the destruction of the ecological biodiversity. These issues are largely man-made, as
humans have over exploited the natural resources for the fulfillment of their demands and
requirements for economic development. This over exploitation has resulted in loss of natural
habitation of the species, making them vulnerable then gradually endangered. This exploitation
lacks awareness for preservation of the natural resources for future generation. The awareness is
necessary that natural resources are fast decreasing and there is no way to replenish them within
short time. This is the reason why the environmentalists are pressing from sustainable use of
natural resources so that we reduce the wastage and save them for the use of our future
generation. In case I attach the word “change” in these issues, it reflects the alteration in the
environmental scenario of Singapore. This “change” adds a negative connotation to the
ecological diversity. I feel this negativity distorts the ecological balance, which is crucial in
terms of maintaining the systems. This misbalance is not at all good for the existentialist
struggles of the life forms (Williams et al., 2016).

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Mitigation
It is fortunate as well as convincing to point out the spontaneous action of the
Singaporean government as it is making plans for mitigating the environmental issues. Typical
example of this is the Green Action Plan, which was proposed in 1992. In 2012, a new edition
was added to this Plan. I applaud the far-sightedness of the government personnel in aiming to
control the disproportionate balance of the flora and fauna. Along with this, I also give the credit
to the Singaporean government for planning to upgrade the standards of the existing parks.
Undertaking the projects of establishing new parks is appreciable (Gov.sg, 2018).
I read in one of the articles that on June 3, 2013 the government of Singapore has
introduced the machines for recording the levels of the carbon dioxide emitted. One of the most
important dimension of this measurement was assessing the impact of carbon dioxide on the
flora and fauna. However, I am confused as whom to support- the scientists who think Singapore
as an “environmental oasis” or the scientists, who accuse the country as responsible for emission
of high carbon footprint. I think I should support the scientists, who consider Singapore as the
environmental oasis. This is because, when the entire country is suffering from the intense
problem of environmental issues, the scientists were making plans regarding mitigating them. I
can consider this initiative of the government as reassuring for upgrading the lifestyle of the
people amidst the increasing environmental problems.
However, there are critics whioo find issues in the mitigation factor alos. These critics are
constantly opposing the proposed steps that the government’s planning in order to secure the
lives of the people from the environmental challenges (Bhati, Hansen & Chan, 2017). I think
opposing the plans delays the mitigation process, pushing the people more into the

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claustrophobic existence. However, I can point out the instances of collaboration between the
partners for overcoming the environmental challenges in Singapore.
The evidence I can present is the launch of Singapore’s Year of Climate Action through
the initiative of Environment and Water Resource Minister Masagos Zulkifli. For this launch,
the ministerial personnel collaborated with the City Square Mall. Here, I can present a news
article published in Straits Times. The heading reads, “Most Singaporeans worry about impact of
climate change but few think their action matters” (Straitstimes.com, 2018). I can relate the
interactions between the people and the government in terms of mitigating the environmental
challenges. The article starts with the geographical description of Singapore. My knowledge is
enriched with the information that Singapore is much ahead in carbon emission than Britain,
Switzerland or France. I counter the results of the National Climate Change Secretariat’s Climate
Change Public Perception Survey. I feel the secretariat mission would be successful if they are
able to assure the public that their contribution matters in preserving the ecological diversity of
the country.
I think the statistics of 9 out of 10 people show concern about the preservation of natural
resources because it has become crucial in terms of creating quality resources. I think taking
statistics in this regard is appropriate for assessing the approach of the people as this will reveal
that how much they are concerned with the preservation of the ecological biodiversity. It is
however effective because the Singaporean government is involving the people in their mission
to overcome the environmental challenges. I like the way Masagos Zulkifli stressed on the
duration of the mission to be one year. I however support the fact of announcing such plans in
the popular shopping malls and other places where people gather all the time. It is an attempt to
create mass appeal towards mitigating the environmental challenges. Taking pledge before

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initiating the activities is appropriate in terms of projecting their responsibilities towards the
promises (Straitstimes.com, 2018). Involving the associate partners in the pledge taking
ceremony is the measurement of confidence towards the promises made.
Climate action blog
The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) created a portal. The aim of
this portal was to collect data from the people regarding mitigating the issue of carbon footprint
(Straitstimes.com, 2018). I would like to give full support for the areas covered in this blog- how
productivity can be improved by creating plans for the preserving the natural resources for the
future generation. I feel assessment of the consumption level is appropriate in terms of
estimating the need for surplus. This assessment includes the anticipation regarding a larger
impact on such an existence.
Proper awareness along with contribution to the government in their mission towards
mitigating the carbon footprint, would enable the government personnel to carry out the tasks in
an efficient and effective manner. My affirmation goes with the vision of the government
regarding adopting the mitigation strategies without exploiting the natural resources. I feel
increasing the level of awareness would help the government personnel to reach to a large
number of people. No matter what the government plans, their focus needs to be on the
enhancing the lifestyle of the people (Straitstimes.com, 2018).
Singapore emission statistics
According to the recent data, Singapore has lowered into 26th position in global
emissions. The recent emission has been decreased to mere 0.11% of the total emissions. This

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data has been published by International Energy Agency, which has enriched my preconceived
knowledge regarding the global emission rates.
Recommendations towards mitigation
I think strategic vision towards the mitigation activities would help the government
personnel to achieve positive outcomes. At the initial stage, the people need to be briefed about
the climate changes that are taking place along with their impact on the country as a whole. This
can be done through the means of advertisements on radio, television and newspaper. Through
these mediums, the Singaporean government would achieve the attention of the public domain.
Along with this, information needs to be transmitted about the techniques planned for mitigating
the environment issues. I think this briefing would be a direct step in gaining an insight into their
approaches towards the proposed mitigation strategies.
According to my opinion, if the people take individual pledges regarding the preservation
of their planet, the result would be productive. This would reduce the burden of the government
regarding handling such an immense project. I think inner urge and willingness is needed from
the end of common people. Without these, overcoming the challenges would be impossible. I
feel the government also need to cater to their responsibility of assuring the people that every
effort invested by them would be applauded upon the achievement of success.
Conscious approach in this direction would result in the preservation of enough raw
materials for fulfilling the needs, demands and requirements of the future generation. By this, I
do not mean that the people need to compromise with their needs. By putting off the electrical
while not at home, preferring public transport for going to the workplace over private cars,
planting more trees rather than cutting them; using LED lights; putting the engine off while

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waiting at the traffic signal are great initiatives. All these are the small enterprises, which the
people can start adopting in their home.
Instructing others to follow these guidelines would act as a collaborative attempt towards
overcoming the environmental challenges. The statements of Zulkifli project plans to collaborate
with the native as well as foreign associate partners for facing the environmental challenges in
one hand and build a sustainable society. I think Rallying for taking initiatives regarding the
mitigation of carbon footprints is appropriate in terms of indulging in personal interaction with
the public for gaining their support. Reaffirmation of the Paris Agreement would prove
beneficial in terms of fulfilling the targets of reducing the carbon emission.
Maintaining continuity with the Year of Climate Action, the Singaporean government is
planning to indulge in partnership with the chairperson of ASEAN. I feel this would be fruitful in
terms of extracting the prospective schemes. This can be applied for confidently dealing with the
sudden climactic changes which have become frequent in these days. Meetings with the associate
partners would help the personnel to assess the effectiveness, appropriateness and feasibility of
the proposed steps in terms of the identified and the specified objectives. I can relate the
evidence of Special ASEAN Ministerial meeting, which exposed the emergence of Zulkifli as a
leader who showed concern with the effect of severe environmental challenges.
I think that the statement, which Masagos gives to the public regarding the tackling of the
climate changes, is absolutely perfect. Countering this, I think full dependence on the Paris
Agreement would destroy the creativity of the government personnel who want to come up with
the innovative solutions to the environmental problems. Viewing it from the other perspective,
there is disparity in the statement of Masagos. On one hand, he is dependent on the Paris

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Agreement and on other hand, he is asking for collective action. According to the critics,
Masagos have stated that full commitment to the Paris Agreement in Asia would help them to
take collaborative action towards the dealing with the sudden and variable environmental
changes.
Masagos Zulkifli thinks that the meeting would send message to public, even in the
foreign countries. However, I think that mere sending the message would not serve the true
purpose. The government personnel need to ensure that the public domain have full access to
receive the message. 2018 was considered as the year for creating awareness among the people
regarding the mitigating of the environmental challenges as well as dealing with them
confidently. However, I think there should not be any specific year for making the people aware
about the intensity of the environmental challenges and the need for reducing them.
I feel reduction of the industrial wastes will definitely reduce the environmental
pollution. Therefore, eco-friendly materials need to be used for producing the goods and
services. More, over, usage of plastics or other non-biodegradable products must be banned from
using. There should be regulations in measuring carbon footprint in the heavy industries. I also
feel that using the low sound emitting machines would be beneficial to the effective reduction of
sound pollution.
I think introducing punishments for the polluters is justified for taking stricter initiatives
for preserving the ecological biodiversity. Introduction of carbon tax is appropriate in terms of
restricting the large emitters from polluting the environment. There has to be fines and
imprisonment for disturbing the balance of flora and fauna. The navigation system and water

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vehicles need to be aware for preserving the marine life. The advanced drainage system will be
helpful in reducing the waste of fresh water.
Summary
The environment of Singapore is suffering from claustrophobic existence. The major
drives behind this are deforestation, land reclamations, air and water pollution. All these issues
have adversely affected the animal and the human life. The origins of these issues are the
industrial wastes, polluting the rivers and the oceans. Beside this, in case of the rural people, the
initiatives undertaken by the government would seem meaningless, if they do not have the access
to the message transmitted. However, I feel that the urban people need to be instructed for
judicious usage of the available natural resources. This would result in the preservation of
enough resources for the future generation to fulfill their needs. Rationality and consciousness is
needed from the people. I think this rationality would be a prime assessment tool for deciding
their approach towards preserving the ecological biodiversity.
The meetings held for tackling with the environmental challenges seem justified to
project a collaborative attempt towards overcoming the environmental challenges. Involving the
associate partners in the meetings is also beneficial in terms of gaining an insight into their
needs, demands and requirements. Collaborative output possesses flexibility to restore the lost
beauty of Singapore.
Conclusion
Initiatives towards tackling the sudden and variable environmental challenges affirm the
tag of Singapore being the “environmental oasis”. However, the carelessness of the people

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regarding the over exploitation of the natural resources has greatly affected the biodiversity of
the environment of Singapore. This carelessness reflects the feeling of self-interestedness in
terms of co-existing peacefully with the other life forms. Deforestation has resulted in loss of
habitat for many mammals and bird species. Mixing harmful chemicals in the water have
adversely affected the lives of the marine animals. All these issues are examples of how humans
have exposed carelessness towards the maintenance of the environmental balance. Awareness
needs to be created among the public domain for making judicious use of the available natural
resources. This judiciousness would help in the achievement of sustainable development.

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