REDUCING EMISSIONS IS IMPORTANT BUT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ENTAILS MUCH MORE THAN EMISSION REDUCTION A SINGAPORE FOCUS

Abstract

The backbone of the world depends on the natural resources that are available free of charge. And yet, humanity has taken more than it has given back. Humankind has neglected the natural environment in the pursuit of economic growth. Economic development has resulted in rapidly depleting finite resources in the natural environment to cater for an ever-increasing population.

The resulting impact is a degrading ecological system that has created havoc on the world’s climate. In order to address the overbearing issue of climate change, a deeper dive into sustainable development is necessary. While reducing emissions is important, sustainable development entails more than just that.

Climate change has eclipsed the discussions of sustainable development, yet if environmental and social concerns are not address holistically and sustainable development is not achieved, implementing climate change strategies won’t be as effective. While economic growth has alleviated millions out of poverty, it has put a strain on the environmental capital. The perks of profitability cannot be in peril of people and planet. While there were trade-offs for the sake of development, it is now critical to re-invest back into regenerating and rejuvenating the environmental and social capital to avoid further devasting impacts.

This paper discusses the overarching role of sustainable development and the importance of implementing policies that embodies the economic, social and environmental pillars. The pillars cannot act in silos of one another but as a collective agenda. The pursuit of sustainable development should be in parallel with the concepts of environment and social capital.

Singapore is the focus study. It has transformed from a fishing village to an affluent urban city state. While much of the forestry in Singapore has been torn down for development, the standards of living for the citizens have been alleviated. Singapore is now recognized as a clean green prosperous city within a multi-cultural social fabric. The Singapore story is discussed further in detail highlighting hints of sustainable development policies in the transition from third word to first world. Singapore is cognizant of its limitations of a small island city state. As Singapore continue to look ahead and face worrying challenges, strategies that focus on regenerating and rejuvenating Singapore’s ecological systems must drive policy making.

Policies are examined in detail with a number of examples of best practices from across the globe. Opportunities are available that provides win-win situations for Singapore. A change in mindset, business practices and infrastructural changes would need to happen for continued sustainable growth in Singapore.