Singapore: Rising Temperatures and Urban Heat Island Effects

From 2016 to 2021, Singapore experienced a significant increase in temperature, largely due to the urban heat island effect—a phenomenon where temperatures in urban areas become significantly warmer than the surrounding rural areas due to human activities. This impact is exacerbated by the extensive use of concrete and asphalt that absorb and retain heat, coupled with the reduction of natural green spaces.

Historical Context of Urban Greening in Singapore

Historically, Singapore has been a pioneer in urban greening, starting with the "Garden City" initiative in the 1960s under the leadership of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. This initiative aimed to transform the harsh urban landscape into a lush and green environment, enhancing the quality of life and improving the city's global reputation. Over the decades, this vision evolved into the "City in a Garden" plan and, most recently, the "City in Nature" vision, which focuses on restoring natural areas and creating interconnected green spaces.

The Loss of Secondary Forests and Habitat Destruction

One of the critical issues is the loss of secondary forests, which cover about 20% of Singapore's land area. These forests, which grow in abandoned villages, serve as important habitats for wildlife and help reduce urban heat. However, the land is not protected by law and is increasingly being utilized for housing, industrial areas, and infrastructure projects. A scientific paper published last year warned that Singapore could lose 7,331 hectares of secondary forest—about 10% of the island's area—within the next 10-15 years due to urban development plans.

Efforts to Combat Urban Heat Island Effects

To combat the impact of urban heat on this island, Singapore has implemented several initiatives, such as building wildlife bridges on arterial roads and launching the "One Million Trees" planting scheme. However, local environmental activists argue that these efforts are insufficient compared to the rate of forest loss and urban expansion. They also express concerns about genetic bottlenecks in protected wildlife populations, which can lead to inbreeding and genetic decline.

Health Risks and Human Impact

The increasing heat not only impacts the environment but also poses significant health risks. The effects of urban heat, combined with global warming, have led to extreme temperatures that make outdoor work hazardous. An average of 34 migrant workers have died each year due to work-related incidents in Singapore since 2020, with heat stress being one of the contributing factors. By the end of this century, the daily maximum temperature in Singapore is expected to reach an average of 35°C to 37°C, up from the current average of 28.6°C.

Impact on Fertility Rate

Extreme hot weather is also impacting fertility rates in Singapore, which have decreased from 1.8 children per couple in 1980 to less than one child per couple in 2023. Heat stress has been shown to reduce sperm count, further increasing efforts to address the low fertility rates in the country.

Learning for Regional Development

Singapore's experience provides valuable lessons for other cities in the region, such as Indonesia's new capital in East Kalimantan. As Indonesia develops its "sustainable forest city," it must consider the environmental impacts of urban expansion, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and urban heat.

Conclusion: Balancing Development with Environmental Protection

Although Singapore continues to be a model of urban development, it is important to remember that forests are not just a piece of land waiting to be developed. They play a crucial role in maintaining a livable environment for both humans and wildlife. As city planners in Singapore and the surrounding areas look to the future, balancing development with environmental protection will be key to creating sustainable and resilient cities.

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Source : Peterson Indonesia