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

wind turbines in a row in a dry environment under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

Growth of wind and solar keeping fossil power in check

Surging wind and solar additions are meeting all of this year’s growth in global electricity demand, keeping fossil fuel use flat for the first time since the pandemic.

A row of data towers inside a data center

Manitoba’s AI data center push, explained

Manitoba — home of much hydro power and notoriously cold winters — says it’s perfectly positioned for a data center boom. Here’s what that means for the province.

A green and black northern leopard frog sitting in water

Can an imperiled frog stop oil drilling near Denver suburbs? Residents hope so

Threatened northern leopard frogs found near a proposed 32-well pad outside Aurora have become a central factor in residents’ push to block one of Colorado’s largest fossil fuel projects.

A garden shed with a patio in front of it

'I heat my Essex home with a data center in the shed'

An British couple testing a data-center-powered heating system say their energy costs have plummeted after replacing their gas boiler with a HeatHub that repurposes warmth generated by hundreds of mini-computers.

A husky dog with blue eyes on  leash looking away from the camera

The climate paradox of having a dog

My dog contributes to climate change. I love him anyway.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin speaking with attendees at The People's Convention at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan.
Credit: Gage Skidmore/https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/ Creative Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Chemical giant, climate skeptics vie for seats on EPA science panel

The Science Advisory Board could influence the Trump administration's plans to revisit a host of regulations.
Cutting board adorned with fresh vegetables and fruit

Nutritionist Marion Nestle weighs in on 'What to Eat Now'

Marion Nestle says we need to rethink how we eat. She recommends "real food, processed as little as possible, with a big emphasis on plants." Her new book is What to Eat Now.
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.