TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE CITY : A CRITICAL REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT

Abstract

Singapore defines its sustainable development as achieving a long-term economic growth and a better living environment for its population. From the global point of view, sustainable development means the maintenance and enhancement of environmental, social and economic resources, in order to meet the needs of current and future generations. Despite a few common points shared by two frameworks, there remain clear gaps between the perception of sustainability and derived outcomes from the Singapore and the global perspective. A framework of Singapore’s sustainable development is established by studying targets set in the Sustainable Development Blueprint. Within the framework, milestones in the past with respect to energy, water, land transport, waste management, air quality, and environment are mapped to present Singapore’s strategies towards sustainability. The paper uncovers three strategic thrusts towards Singapore’s sustainable development. Three influential reports (IPCC, ADB and IEA reports), each citing with global projections, are reviewed to provide a broader understanding of the upcoming issues of climate change, resource depletion, and their subsequent impacts to Singapore. The paper discusses additional thrusts and long-term strategies to cope with the potential impacts and examines the compatibility of Singapore’s approach with global concerns.