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.

www.dw.com

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

Some Ontario students can’t escape extreme heat

Global warming will breach the 1.5 degree celsius limit. Now what?

Biomass power surge in Indonesia threatens tropical forests

America’s houseplants come at a steep price for greenhouse workers

Jet fuel in the water

Battered by storms, Hawai‘i communities search for more resilient solutions

Prince William warns ‘inch-by-inch’ action to stop climate change is not enough

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.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

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

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.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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