12 - A Sustainable Singapore, A Sustainable World

Summary

The sustainable development of cities is one of the key challenges of our time. Good governance is vital in tackling this challenge, and achieving the right balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and high quality of life for urban dwellers. The stakes are high and we have to get it right early. The welfare of our peoples depends on how well we harness our collective ideas, knowledge and capabilities. Countries and cities should work together, so that we make progress towards cleaner, more resource-efficient, and more vibrant cities for the future.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the joint opening of the Singapore International Water Week, World Cities Summit and East Asia Summit Conference on Liveable Cities, 24 January 2008

While some may view the economy as being a part of the environment, it does not mean that the environment is more important than the economy. However, while it is important to alleviate people's suffering from hunger, sickness, and poverty, economic development should not be the only consideration. The choice should never be between the environment or the economy. Instead, it should be both the economy and the environment.

Singapore has been successful because it did not regard environmental sustainability as being incongruous with economic development. Between 1965 and 2005, its GDP1 grew from about US$5 billion to US$112 billion, an increase of more than 20 times. Per capita GDP grew from about US$1,500 to US$27,000. Alongside this rapid development, it continues to enjoy clean air, clean land, clean water, and good public health. This is possible as the government has consciously sought solutions that enabled the environment and the economy to progress in a compatible way.

While Singapore has achieved a good balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, the work is far from over and the challenge is greater going forward.

On the domestic front, population size, density, and affluence are increasing. This means more demands on resources, more pollution, and more threats to public health unless greater efforts are made to keep Singapore clean. And ironically, as residents become richer and the city becomes cleaner and less heavily polluted, many people seem less willing to sacrifice consumption and convenience for the efforts needed to improve the environment.