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

Small Black child sitting his fathers lap covering his eyes

Insurance has become the real disaster for Black families

From Altadena to Alabama, Black families learn the real catastrophe starts after the disaster, when insurers decide who is worth saving.
A family having a picnic in a greenfield

The psychological distance between us and climate disaster

An analysis of dozens of previously published studies reveals people systematically underestimate their own vulnerability to climate threats.
A group of people in a subway car on a hot day

As heat rises, so do complaints about stuffy subway rides

A new study shows that as temperatures rise aboveground, the number of subway riders reporting uncomfortable heat belowground increases.

Solar panels in a snowy landscape with mountains in the background

The feds pulled $1.5B from tribal clean energy. Tribes are finding another way

With federal funding gone, tribes are turning to philanthropy, alternative lenders, and their own institutions.
Two men painting a mural on a concrete wall of an African hut and village scene

Middle East conflict exposes Africa’s fossil fuel risks & the case for clean energy

If the ongoing conflict continues, energy prices could spike, driving up costs across African economies, which heavily rely on imported oil and gas.

Entrance sign to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
Credit: Melissa Kopka/BigStock Photo ID: 259884463

Republicans target public lands protections in a new way

Republicans in Congress want to allow more mining and oil drilling on federal public lands, and they’ve recently turned to an obscure legislative maneuver to open areas for business.
A woman at the front of a protest holding a microphone

Women bear the brunt of climate change. Meet the green politicians determined to change that

For International Women’s Day, Euronews Green highlighted some of the female politicians spearheading the never-ending fight against climate change.

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.