Even in an era of electric cars and renewable energy, nations throughout the world struggle to provide clean air for their people. From rising economies such as India to established, wealthy areas like the UAE, pollution remains a major problem. Historically, there has always existed tension between pursuing a state's economic interests and maintaining a clean environment, with oil companies struggling to find a place. Singapore has shown that it is possible to manage both, with a focus on its domestic economy and a priority on consistently taking steps to reduce pollution. These efforts extend down to the individual level. As a result, Singapore is a model for other nations to follow, and there are many nations in need of such guidance at this time.
Why should the world learn from Singapore?
The benefits of a cleaner, more habitable world are numerous. The well-being of children, who commonly suffer from breathing-related ailments such as pneumonia, depends on clean air. Environmental pollution is just as detrimental to the health of adults, and there are several other important ripple effects, including healthcare costs. A full 10% of global GDP is spent on healthcare. Healthcare is the most expensive in the U.S., where residents pay $8,047 per year. However, heavy healthcare spending is a problem all over the world. Rising public health costs across all segments of the population are a serious concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Air pollution is singled out as by WHO as being “a major threat to health,” causing about seven million premature deaths every year as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Unfortunately, according to non-profit environmental law group ClientEarth, "the vast majority of the world's population lives in places where they are exposed to poor air quality." This includes the western world, with as many as 90 million Americans breathing poor air.
Singapore's air quality varies depending on several factors such as port traffic, seasonal forest fires and other transnational factors. Pollution coming from neighbouring regions can skew air monitoring results, causing confusing readings, but when these outside influences are not in effect, Singapore generally has good air. In fact, according to the National Environment Agency, Singapore enjoys better air quality than many cities in Asia, comparable with that of cities in the United States and Europe. It is known worldwide for focusing on the strength of its domestic economy, and in many areas of the world, this emphasis would come at the expense of the environment. Yet, Singapore has successfully prioritised having a habitable home environment over more than five decades.
What did Singapore do differently?
To understand what makes Singapore different, we have to look back at the changing leadership structure from 55 years ago. Up until 1965, Singapore was considered "a polluter's paradise." 1965 marked a turning point for Singapore's environmental agenda. The focus suddenly became making Singapore a nice and comfortable area that people would be drawn to. Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was ahead of his time in prizing the power of vegetation for decoration and its impact on people. In recent years, there has been more interest in performing research that confirms what Singapore's founding father knew instinctively. Today, Singapore continues to support the environment while building on its previous successes in this area.
Throughout the decades, Singapore has made a series of strides to improve air quality. In the 1970s, an Anti-Pollution Unit was organised under the Prime Minister's Office. The Clean Air Act also went into effect to regulate industry pollution. Air quality monitoring was undertaken to verify progress. In the 1980s, passenger cars were forced to meet European pollution guidelines and the Anti Pollution Unit was moved to the Ministry of the Environment. By the early 1990s, diesel vehicles were forced to meet standards just like unleaded vehicles. The Pollution Standards Index was introduced. Vehicle regulations have continued to see tightened restrictions up to the present day.
Increasingly sophisticated technology is also being adapted to make Singapore's environment more pristine. Experts have taken to local media with the view that "The prospects look promising for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in the quest for a clean and liveable environment in urban settings." The internet of things (IoT), blockchain, or distributed ledger technology, and advanced AI technology can provide more detailed information about pollution and pave the way for increasingly targeted analysis and recommendations. It is even theorised that with around the clock information, people will avoid parts of the city that have higher than normal pollution until the readings reach a preferable level. Blockchain, in tandem with 5G wireless technology, could have a role to play in air monitoring capabilities that resist outside tampering.
Campaigns such as BreatheLife will further improve Singapore's air quality over the next decade. Moreover, a growing youth movement has sprung up that could ultimately lead to more environmental improvements. An estimated 2,000 demonstrators called for tighter emissions targets during a rally in Hong Lim Park. Singapore only accounts for 0.11% of global emissions, but demonstrators know that it is also a country that maintains an economic and social leadership position. Meanwhile, cleaner fuel is being adopted, according to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and this will help with emissions from vehicles and industry.
Signs of success
Looking at the larger global picture, an effort is underway to share Singapore's knowledge with other interested nations. According to the Singapore Environment Institute (SEI), which is under the National Environment Agency, Singapore is doing its part to export its model and environmental philosophy. SEI's sustainable programmes aimed at international visitors “have enabled foreign delegates to gain practical knowledge and tools in applying sustainable solutions back home. Since SEI's inception, it has conducted some 500 programmes for over 8,900 government officials." This will not only have the impact of reducing environmental toxicity, it can improve the economy, as Singapore has experienced firsthand. Nevertheless, if the worldwide epidemic of pollution is any indication to go by, much more needs to be done.
The time is right to make a change
This article calls for other nations to consider and implement Singapore's approaches to clean air. Whether by air, stream, or ocean, the world is connected. It is also important to point out that reducing pollution is not at odds with economic success, or the even the traditional energy industry. For example, oil giant ExxonMobil is one of the biggest supporters of biofuels. Algae appears to be the frontrunner in this industry, and ExxonMobil is currently working on making fuel from it with its nonprofit and university partners. By 2025, as many as 10,000 barrels of Exxon's algae-based biofuel could be available.
In conclusion, Singapore is pushing ahead with new plans for a healthy environment, and no person, industry, or company need be left behind. As one of the three richest countries in the world, Singapore has found a way to continue striving for an environment that is healthy to live in, others should take note and apply their lessons at home. The result will be a cleaner, more prosperous world.
Photo credit: The 3B's