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Green Plans in Action: Singapore: Challenges: Background
Loss of Biodiversity
Based on surveys of species found in neighboring Malaysia, habitat loss in Singapore could have wiped out many species before they were ever documented, and the true extinction figure could be as high as 73%. Some, such as the cream-coloured giant squirrel and the white-bellied woodpecker, have populations so small that they are almost guaranteed to go extinct. More than 50% the native freshwater fish, 33.3% of birds and 25% of the seed plants and mammals are now extinct. The tiger is also already extinct, as are the leopard, clouded leopard, sambar and barking deer. The hornbills, trogons and broadbills are gone too. Less than 5% of the original mangroves are left, mostly in the north of Singapore in a much degraded state. Several other extinctions have occurred, the most spectacular being the arboreal orchids, none of which have survived. The damage is not limited to mangroves; natural sandy, muddy and rocky shores have been reclaimed or altered. Crustaceans, molluscs and corals have also been depleted in addition to the losses of birds; and the loss of coastal plants alone has been estimated at 40%.
Particulate Matter (PM)2.5 Emission
#1
Except for PM2.5, Singapore does not have a problem keeping their pollutant levels compliant with current US EPA and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The 2005 average level of PM10 (diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometers) complies with Singapore standards that are based on US EPA standards, but Singapore will not be able to meet the new draft 2005 WHO updated guidelines. With the onset of the 2005 global update to the WHO standards and the current trends of Singapore's PM emissions, the possibility of further noncompliance with both PM10 and PM2.5 standards increases.
#2
By requiring new diesel vehicles registered to meet Euro IV emission standards means that taxi, bus, and other companies using diesel vehicles will have two and a half years to source for vehicles with the new Euro IV diesel engines or those with an equivalent alternative, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines.
Dense and Rising Population
#1
Average life expectancy is 78 years, and the infant mortality rate has declined to 2.2/1000 births.
#2
To support a growing population, land reclamation, construction of taller high-rise buildings, expansion of the rail and road network, and more power and utility facilities will help meet future needs. Other concerns include how to maintain Singapore's reputation as a clean and green city with its beautiful parks; and higher population could translate to more cars, traffic congestion, and greater air pollution. The bulk of the additional 2M people will come from abroad, affecting social ties between locals and foreigners. Singapore must attract not only job-seekers, but also entrepreneur-settlers for new businesses to hire local employees.
Limited Fresh Water Resources
#1
Before its separation from Malaysia in 1965, it was relying on Peninsular Malaysia for much of its fresh water supply through long-term agreements. Currently, about half of Singapore's water requirement is piped to the republic via the causeway from the southern peninsula state of Johor - a source that of late has become a bone of contention that is affecting bilateral relations. Johor currently accounts for half of Singapore's daily water needs of 1,299 million [m.sup.3]/day (286 mgd). The prevailing high dependence on Malaysia is seen as unhealthy to its long-term security interests and economic development. Given that a significant amount of water comes from outside its borders, and since water supply is a vital element of its national security, Singapore has been looking towards diversifying its external sources of supply. Indonesia is a logical choice, specifically from the larger islands closer to its borders.
#2
The revised Green Plan, SGP2012, was released in 2002 and has targeted 25% of SingaporeÕs water supply to be met by nonconventional sources.
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