Singapore is witnessing a significant rise in carbon emissions due to land-use changes, with projections indicating a continued increase until 2030. This trend is primarily driven by deforestation activities to accommodate urban development. In 2022, emissions from land use, including land-use changes and forestry, were relatively low, accounting for just 0.06 percent of the total national emissions inventory. However, the energy sector remains the largest contributor to Singapore’s emissions.
Projected Increase in Emissions
Forecasted Emissions Growth
According to a climate report submitted to the United Nations in November 2022, greenhouse gas emissions from Singapore’s land use, land-use change, and forestry sector are expected to more than double from 0.04 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eq) in 2022 to 0.14 MtCO2eq by 2030. This increase is anticipated despite ongoing reforestation and tree-planting efforts, including the OneMillionTrees movement, which has already resulted in the planting of over 730,000 trees. Singapore’s strategy to balance urban development with environmental sustainability faces a challenge that could alter its emission landscape significantly.
Historically, Singapore’s land use, land-use change, and forestry sector served as a net sink for carbon emissions, absorbing more CO2 than it emitted from 2000 up until the early 2010s. The intricate balance struck by these natural carbon sinks played a pivotal role in mitigating the nation’s overall emissions. However, since 2014, this sector has become a net source of emissions, contributing 0.02 MtCO2eq to the total emissions for that year due to deforestation. This shift was revealed through data derived from satellite imagery, which has been projected to continue increasing. The natural dynamics of forest ecosystems are now at a crossroads with urban growth demands.
Historical Context and Current Trends
The projections indicate potential changes in the rate of new tree planting and the conversion of forest land to other uses, such as settlements, which are contributing factors to these emissions. Despite the small proportion of land sector’s emissions compared to other sectors, these figures underscore the impact of deforestation and land development. The vulnerability of these forested areas to development pressures points towards a scenario where urbanization needs often outweigh environmental considerations. Urbanization and the need for housing are significant drivers behind the forest clearances in Singapore.
Additionally, recent developments in areas like Sembawang and Woodlands have led to considerable deforestation to make way for housing. The 53-hectare Sembawang site, although largely urbanized already, has significant forested sections. Adjacent areas also zoned for residential use imply further deforestation. Similarly, the Woodlands site, spanning 7.27 hectares – around 13 football fields – is also set for development, representing a loss of forested land. The push for residential spaces highlights a challenging reality where green spaces give way to concrete structures, elevating emissions in the process.
Drivers of Deforestation
Urbanization and Housing Needs
Urbanization and the need for housing are significant drivers behind the forest clearances in Singapore. The quest for urban expansion to accommodate the growing population necessitates the conversion of forested lands into residential and commercial spaces. For example, recent developments in areas like Sembawang and Woodlands have led to considerable deforestation to make way for housing. The 53-hectare Sembawang site, although largely urbanized already, has significant forested sections. Adjacent areas also zoned for residential use imply further deforestation. These urban demands often lead to a compromise on the integrity of forest lands.
Similarly, the Woodlands site, spanning 7.27 hectares – around 13 football fields – is also set for development, representing a loss of forested land. The clearance of these forest areas to pave the way for new housing projects reflects the ongoing balancing act between development and environmental preservation. Urbanization trends keep intensifying, and curbing deforestation becomes more challenging as city planners strive to meet the nation’s residential requirements. Despite knowing the ecological consequences, the immediate need for living spaces predominates the conversation on sustainable land use.
Impact on Secondary Forests
Nature experts like Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying from the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions and former Nature Society Singapore president Shawn Lum highlight that most of the forests being cleared are secondary forests. These forests have re-grown on previously cleared land and act as carbon sinks due to their young, rapidly growing trees that accumulate biomass. The growth of these secondary forests, which had been thriving between the 1980s and 2000s, now faces a reversal due to the essential needs of development.
This increase in vegetation, which includes areas such as Tengah and Dover forests, is now being reversed due to development needs. The clearing of secondary forests results in carbon emissions from both the decomposition of vegetation and the release of organic carbon from the soil. This trend suggests an inevitable increase in emissions as long as urban development supersedes conservation efforts. Despite the ecological value these secondary forests offer, urban development plans often trump their conservation, leading to increasing carbon emissions.
Ecological and Environmental Impacts
Carbon Emissions from Forest Clearing
Clearing secondary forests results in carbon emissions from both the decomposition of vegetation and the release of organic carbon from the soil. The immediate impact of this process not only erodes carbon sinks but also contributes to a net increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This trend suggests an inevitable increase in emissions as long as urban development supersedes conservation efforts. Singapore’s unique position as a city-state with limited forest areas emphasizes the critical balance needed between urban growth and environmental health.
Professor Lim points out that Singapore’s capacity to store carbon in forests is limited due to its small land area and the pressing demand for land for housing and other developments. This creates a peculiar challenge: managing urban growth while contending with reduced carbon sequestration capacity. Deforestation activities, primarily driven by land conversion for urbanization, inadvertently counter the nation’s greening initiatives. As demand for new developments continues, forests that once stood as carbon sinks are steadily diminishing, impacting Singapore’s overall emission picture.
Beyond Carbon Sequestration
Despite the challenges, experts recognize the significant ecological benefits rendered by Singapore’s greening initiatives beyond just carbon sequestration. Programs aiming to weave more greenery into urban environments support wildlife conservation, enhance ecological functions, and improve human well-being. Initiatives like planting dense greenery buffers around nature reserves and connecting isolated habitats through nature corridors bolster the genetic resilience and survival of wildlife. These greening efforts go beyond mere carbon storage, portraying a comprehensive model of urban biodiversity.
Lush urban parks contribute to cooling the urban environment and improving residents’ quality of life by providing green spaces for recreation and relaxation. Restoring mangroves along Singapore’s coastlines is another effort aimed at mitigating future sea-level rise. The multifaceted approach to integrating green spaces within urban areas exemplifies Singapore’s forward-thinking strategies. These initiatives provide extensive benefits beyond carbon storage, reflecting a nuanced perspective on urban development and conservation, balancing present needs without compromising future ecological integrity.
Greening Initiatives and Their Benefits
Urban Parks and Cooling Effects
Lush urban parks contribute to cooling the urban environment and improving residents’ quality of life by providing green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The overarching benefits of such spaces transcend carbon sequestration, offering cooling effects that counteract the urban heat island phenomenon. Planting trees and creating green corridors within cities help regulate temperatures, enhancing comfort levels for city dwellers. The strategic restoration of mangroves along Singapore’s coastlines is another effort aimed at mitigating future sea-level rise while enriching marine biodiversity.
These initiatives provide extensive benefits beyond carbon storage, reflecting a nuanced perspective on urban development and conservation. Thoughtful urban planning that integrates green spaces addresses thermal comfort, air quality, and psychological well-being. The conservation of natural spaces within urban settings showcases a holistic approach to ecological sustainability. As city planners prioritize such green spaces, the long-term benefits positively impact public health, city aesthetics, and overall environmental quality, showcasing a model for sustainable metropolitan development.
Multifaceted Roles of Forests
Singapore is experiencing a notable increase in carbon emissions due to changes in land use, with forecasts showing this trend will likely continue until 2030. The primary driver behind this growth is deforestation, which is being carried out to make way for urban development projects. Even though the emissions from land use, including land-use changes and forestry, were relatively small in 2022, making up only 0.06 percent of the total national emissions inventory, this figure is expected to rise. Despite this, the energy sector still remains the largest contributor to Singapore’s overall emissions. The shift in land use contributes to these emissions by replacing forests and natural landscapes with buildings and infrastructure, which decreases the land’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Urbanization efforts, while necessary for economic growth, are having a significant environmental impact. Efforts to balance development with environmental sustainability are crucial to minimizing the rise in emissions as Singapore continues to grow and modernize.
