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SINGAPORE STATISTICS- Singapore generated 7.67 million tonnes of solid waste in 2015, which equates to around 1,390kg of waste generated by each person85
- 65 million tonnes of waste was recycled86
- Overall recycling rate was 61%, a small increase from 60% in 201487
- Singapore’s portable water sales increased to 506.3 million m3/year in 2014 from 498.6 million m3/year in the previous year88
- Electric consumption also increased to 46403.1 gigawatt hours in 2014 from 44923 gigawatt hours in 201389
SINGAPORE CHALLENGEAs a land and resource-scarce city-state, Singapore faces the challenge of balancing economic development and upholding environmental standards. The growing population translates to an increase in consumption of resources such as energy, water and food. This increase in demand will put pressure on resource prices and increase the potential for pollution if development is not well-managed90.
SINGAPORE OPPORTUNITY
"Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources.
The efficient management of our shared natural resources, and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants, are important targets to achieve this goal. Encouraging industries, businesses and consumers to recycle and reduce waste is equally important, as is supporting developing countries to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption by 203091."
Singapore also developed the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint in 2009, which outlines targets for a liveable and sustainable Singapore.
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GLOBAL STATISTICS- Half the global population – 3.5 billion people – lives in cities today79
- The world’s cities occupy only 3% of land, but account for at least 60% of energy consumption and 75% of greenhouse gas emissions80
- An estimated one-third of food produced are wasted each year, which equates to 1.3 billion tonnes worth around $1 trillion of food wastage generated81.
- Water is being polluted at a faster rate than nature can recycle and purify it82.
GLOBAL CHALLENGEExtreme poverty is often concentrated in urban spaces, where poor families settle into slums. The fast pace of urbanization exerts pressure on water and energy supplies, the environment and public health83.
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
While rapid urbanization puts pressure on resources and the environment, the increase in density of cities can being about technological advancement and improve efficiency, which reduces resource and energy consumption.
In addition to addressing living conditions in urban areas, there is a need to invest in infrastructure and innovation to improve transport, communications and the use of renewable energy84.
