FAQ · Environment & Climate 29

Sisters' Islands Marine Park is Singapore's first marine protected area located in the Southern Islands planning area. It encompasses the land and waters surrounding Sisters' Islands as well as the western coasts of Pulau Tekukor and St John's Island. The park features a vast variety of marine life including sea anemones, sponges, and both hard and soft corals. Visitors can experience the local marine life through guided walks, dive trails, and the Marine Park Public Gallery. The area is legally considered a type of public park to be safeguarded by the government.

Thomson Nature Park is home to various fauna living in its forested areas. You can find animals such as the Sunda pangolin, the Malayan porcupine, and the sambar deer. Other residents include the leopard cat, the straw-headed bulbul, the Malayan box turtle, and the cinnamon frog. The park also aims to help conserve the Raffles' banded langur, which is a critically endangered leaf monkey. This species is endemic to Singapore and Johor and often feeds in the nearby forest.

Singapore follows the CITES agreement to regulate wildlife trade and protect endangered species. This international agreement helps ensure that various animals are not threatened by trade activities. For instance, the regulation is relevant to the management of the ornamental fish industry. An example is the Dragon fish, which is considered an endangered species. Farms must obtain specific CITES licenses and permits to breed and export these fish for sale. Additionally, those rearing Dragon fish are required to keep detailed records of their breeding practices and sales statistics for the authorities.

Information regarding the flora of Singapore is available within our knowledge base. You can find specific details about the plant life found across the island. Our records also cover related topics such as the wildlife and fauna of the region. This includes information on birds and mammals as well. Exploring these categories will provide a better understanding of the local environment.

Sisters' Islands Marine Park is Singapore's first marine park and offers a vast variety of marine life. Visitors can observe hard and soft corals, sea anemones, and sponges in the area. The park even houses the local Long-tailed macaque. You can experience the marine life through guided walks, the Marine Park Public Gallery, and various dive trails. Rare species like the Neptune's cup sponge have also been found along the coast near this region.

Since its founding in 1819, more than 95% of Singapore's estimated vegetation has been cleared for cash crops, urbanization, and industrialization. This loss of forest has caused 61 of the original 91 bird species to be lost. Consequently, many native forest plants cannot reproduce due to the loss of pollination and seed dispersal. Since 1980, development and land usage pressure have led to the loss of 90% of forests, 67% of birds, 40% of mammals, and 5% of amphibians and reptiles. To address environmental issues like deforestation, the government established the Singapore Green Plan in 1992.

The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) coordinates Singapore's domestic and international policies to address climate change. It functions under the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change and is part of the Strategy Group supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The agency has four main responsibilities including reducing carbon emissions across all sectors and assisting the nation in adapting to climate change effects. It also seeks to tap into green growth opportunities and promotes climate consciousness among the general public. These efforts reflect the nation's dedication to delivering on both international and domestic commitments.

Sindicatum Renewable Energy is an Asia-focused renewable energy company that is headquartered in Singapore. The company moved its headquarters from London to Singapore in 2009 to be closer to its assets in Asia. They act as a developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects primarily in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Their team includes engineers, technicians, and climate change specialists who work across several markets. They have received various awards in Singapore for sustainability and innovation.

Singapore has announced a climate action plan to peak emissions at 65 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent around 2030. To support this, the country implemented a carbon tax that was raised to S$25/tCO2e in 2024. The government is also executing a solar grid energy programme to reach a target of 2 gigawatt-peak capacity by 2030. Additionally, Singapore is working to import low-carbon electricity and has transitioned to using more than 95% natural gas for electricity generation. In transportation, the country aims to replace all existing diesel buses with cleaner energy buses by 2040 and is deploying 60,000 EV charging points by 2030.

Sembcorp is a company that provides solid waste management services in Singapore. They also operate industrial water and wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, the company owns and operates the largest NEWater plant in the country. Their operations include power generation and sustainable urban developments. They are also known for providing renewable energy as an established power gentailer.

The provided text does not contain information regarding water pollution in Singapore. It focuses on the country's efforts toward water self-sufficiency and its various water sources. The information covers the Four National Taps and the expected increase in water demand. Therefore, the reference does not address the specific topic of water pollution.

Yes, the Singapore army and air force are allowed to conduct training on Indian soil. This is possible due to a Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2003. This agreement facilitates military training between the two nations. It is part of a broader relationship that includes various forms of cooperation. Such arrangements help strengthen the existing defence relationship between the Indian military and the Singapore Armed Forces.

Annual dry seasons in the tropics significantly increase the chances of a drought developing. This leads to a subsequent increase in wildfire risks. Heat waves can worsen these drought conditions by increasing evapotranspiration. This process dries out forests and other vegetation. Consequently, it increases the amount of fuel available for wildfires to occur.

Various community groups in Singapore have organized the collection of donation and relief supplies for disaster victims. Essential items needed include shelter items like tents, blankets, and mattresses, as well as food items such as high energy biscuits. Medical supplies like antibiotics, first aid kits, and water purification tablets are also required. Organizations like the Singapore Red Cross and MUIS have launched public appeals to raise funds for these efforts. You can also look for donation boxes placed at mosques or coordinate through the Pakistani High Commission in Singapore.

Historically, Singapore implemented several construction projects to mitigate flooding issues. Efforts included building a dam in Bedok and a seawall at the Geylang River to protect specific areas. The government also developed a dual purpose reservoir designed to collect flood water while increasing the water supply. These schemes aimed to reduce dependence on imported water from Johor. Such infrastructure helped reduce the total land area affected during heavy rainfall events.

Singapore has a history of developing infrastructure to manage its water supply, such as the Kallang River Reservoir. Construction on this reservoir began in 1902, a year when the country experienced a serious drought. The project was conceived by Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie in the early 1890s and was eventually completed in 1910. This reservoir, later renamed Peirce Reservoir, helped provide one of the finest water supplies in the world. These efforts were necessary because the island has no rivers much bigger than a ditch.

The 2013 Southeast Asian haze was a crisis that affected Singapore mainly during June and July. This period was caused by large-scale burning in many parts of Sumatra and Borneo. Satellite imagery showed that the haze was mainly due to smoke from fires burning in Riau province, Indonesia. These fires caused thick clouds of haze to blow east toward Singapore. This specific event caused record high levels of pollution in the region.

While Singapore does not experience natural snowfall, you can visit Snow City at the Singapore Science Centre. This attraction allows visitors to experience snow-related activities. It is located near other attractions like the Singapore Discovery Centre and the Singapore Army Museum. This provides a snowy experience within the Jurong area. It is a popular option for those looking to escape the tropical heat.

Singapore is a low-lying island where much of the coastal area could eventually be flooded as the sea edges inland. To protect the eastern region, a land reclamation project called Long Island has been proposed off the coast of East Coast Park. This project aims to protect areas projected to become flood-prone due to sea-level rise and increasing rainfall. The proposal serves as a less disruptive coastal protection measure compared to a conventional sea wall. Additionally, the project could enable the creation of a new reservoir to serve future water needs. Preparation works for Long Island are slated to begin in 2026.

Singapore retains a rich array of biodiversity due to its geographical location within a biodiversity hotspot. To measure this, the Singapore Index on Cities' Biodiversity was proposed to assess urban biodiversity performance. This index evaluates the number of plant and animal species existing in a city. It also considers the services these species provide, such as pollination and carbon sinks. Finally, it measures how well a city manages its biodiversity through conservation agencies or museums.

The name Singapura is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words for lion and city. According to the Malay Annals, the city was named after a strange beast seen by Sang Nila Utama while hunting in Temasek. He was informed that the beast must have been a lion. Based on this sighting, he decided to stay in Temasek and founded the city. However, scholars have pointed out that lions are not native to Singapore.

Semakau Landfill is open to the public for selected recreational activities. The site coexists with a mix of shoreline, grassland, and mangrove habitats. Various interest groups, such as the Sport Fishing Association (Singapore), were consulted regarding its use for recreation. Visitors can participate in guided walks on the shores led by trained guides. These supervised activities are in place to protect the natural environment of the island.

Singapore is considered a paradise for swimmers with a very high density of public pools. These are all open-air 50 m pools that are accessible for an entrance fee of $1–1.50. Most of these facilities are open daily from 8AM to 9PM. Many pools also feature a small cafe on site. Visitors often use these spaces to chill out, read, and relax in the sun.

Singapore has designated tree conservation areas where no tree with a girth above 1 metre can be felled without permission from the National Parks Board. There are currently two such areas located in the Central and Changi parts of Singapore. Unauthorized felling of protected trees can lead to significant fines and compensation payments to the state. For example, a company was fined and ordered to pay compensation after cutting down a rare Hopea sangal tree. These regulations aim to protect large urban trees and raise awareness about conservation efforts.

Singapore faces several environmental challenges including air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation. Since its founding in 1819, more than 95% of the estimated 540 square km of vegetation has been cleared for cash crops, urbanization, and industrialization. Development and land usage pressures since 1980 have caused the loss of 90% of its forests. This has led to significant wildlife declines, including the loss of 67% of its birds and 40% of its mammals. Additionally, ambitious land reclamation has expanded the shores by 22% since independence.

Singapore is working towards becoming a City in Nature as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This plan is one of five key pillars designed to enhance the country's sustainability. The initiative is supported by a Green Government that embeds sustainability into public infrastructure and business areas. Additionally, a Green Citizenry is encouraged to get involved in this sustainability journey. These efforts aim to achieve various environmental goals through collaboration and ambitious new targets.

A coral nursery was established off Pulau Semakau in 2007 to enhance and restore the current coral cover. This nursery is the first in the region to use corals of opportunity as seed corals for growth and transplantation. Instead of breaking up healthy colonies, the method uses coral fragments that lie free on the reef after being naturally fragmented by waves. Once these fragments are successfully grown, they are transplanted onto degraded reef sites off the southern coast of Singapore. This project is spearheaded by the National Biodiversity Centre and the National University of Singapore.

Singapore features several notable locations including the Lorun Halus Wetland. You can also visit the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre. These sites are part of the diverse landscape found within the country. Visitors interested in these areas can explore these specific locations. They offer a glimpse into the local natural environment.

Singapore manages waste by sending incinerable waste to incineration plants to reduce the amount sent to landfills. Non-incinerable waste and incineration ash are disposed of at the Semakau Landfill. Increasing recycling efforts helps extend the projected lifespan of the Semakau Landfill. These efforts also aim to reduce the frequency of needing new incineration plants. Such waste management strategies help manage overall waste disposal levels in the country.