COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES: SINGAPORE AND MALM�

Abstract

The focus in recent years has been on the sustainability of cities ever since the total urban population exceeded 50%. Cities, due to their concentration of resources, wealth, innovation and human capital, is both a boon and a bane. While high density meant that overconsumption of resources and overcrowding reduce the quality of life of its inhabitants, cities are perfect venues to test green tools. Among these cities, some have received the reputation of being “models” of sustainable cities due to the rise in indices that measures urban sustainability and pitches cities against each other. Singapore and Malmö are chosen as case studies for this dissertation as they have received numerous accolades within their regions and even welcomed diplomats internationally seeking to learn from their best practices. Both cities face similar urban challenges and wield the important basis of having political willpower to deal with urban sustainability, but how do they differ? This dissertation compares approaches from the East and West, shedding light on the different pathways that have been predetermined because of diverse cultures, natural resources and political structure. The results find that Singapore utilises a more practical approach for survival while Malmö crafts its measures around its inhabitants.