Singapore’s proactive approach to water management makes it a global model

Singapore, despite having no natural freshwater sources, has developed a pioneering approach to meet its water needs through desalination, wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting.

Tim Schauenberg reports for Deutsche Welle.


In short:

  • Singapore’s "four national taps" strategy includes imported water, desalination, local catchment and wastewater recycling (NEWater).
  • The country collects rainwater over two-thirds of its surface and plans to cover 90% by 2060, using green infrastructure like parks to prevent flooding.
  • Singapore has invested in advanced desalination and wastewater treatment, aiming for self-sufficiency by 2061.

Key quote:

“They've educated their community about their water situation, about their water challenges, and about the solutions that they've chosen to push.”

— Peter Gleick, hydrologist and founder of the Pacific Institute

Why this matters:

With climate change increasing water scarcity worldwide, Singapore’s success demonstrates how strategic planning, technology and public education can help ensure water security even in water-stressed regions.

Read more: Scarcity of fresh water intensifies globally due to climate change and poor management

A closeup view of a citibank sign in red, white and blue

Banks are financing the fossil fuel industry’s next growth strategy

New research shows major lenders are accelerating their investment in Big Oil as the industry turns toward plastics and petrochemicals.
Two workers installing rooftop solar on a curved-tile roof

5 questions answered as solar tax credits phase out

Many utility-scale developers planned ahead, signaling the looming deadline may not be a massive disruption.
Rendering of planet earth depicting energy pathways against a setting or rising sun

German startups compete in global race for nuclear fusion

Companies around the world are competing to see who can build the first commercially viable nuclear fusion reactor. German startups are also in the race, supported by major corporations and private investors.
Aerial view on old working coking plant. Smokestacks, coal waste, flaring in progress.
Credit: plantic/BigStock Photo ID: 202556464

Echoes of the past in Pennsylvania coal towns’ fight against data centers

As the data center buildout escalates, rural Pennsylvanians urge lawmakers not to repeat past mistakes.
Blue-green diesel generator with signage reading: "DIESEL NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES"
Credit: Fr0ggy5/Unsplash

‘We are screwed’: People near data centers dread heat wave pollution

Extreme temperatures threaten to strain the grid as data centers are increasing energy demand. What could go wrong?
Downed power lines in a flooded area of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Credit: jpegisclair/BigStock Photo ID: 192269

New Orleans residents on warning to abandon sinking city: ‘Nobody wants to leave home’

After a recent study found New Orleans is at a ‘point of no return’ amid the climate crisis, some locals say they will ‘only leave if forced to’. But what would it take to stay?
An aerial view of a body of water with a bridge crossing it

Global oceans break June temperature record with fears they’re headed into ‘uncharted territory’

The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.