Singapore’s Long Island Project to Combat Rising Sea Levels | Ukraine news

Singapore, a low-lying country, is facing the problem of flooding, which has become a common occurrence. Flooded parks, underwater tunnels, and streets submerged up to the knees illustrate what is known as “inconvenient flooding.” While this does not pose a serious threat to the population, recent floods raise concerns about the future impacts of rising sea levels.

Projections indicate that by the end of the century, sea levels around Singapore could rise by 1.15 meters, and in a “high emissions scenario,” up to 2 meters by 2150. Combined with extreme tides and storm surges, water levels could exceed current heights by 5 meters, threatening more than 30% of the country’s territory.

The response to this threat will be an 8-mile chain of artificial islands that will serve as a sea wall protecting Singapore’s southeastern coast.

The project, known as the “Long Island,” will require decades to complete and billions of dollars in investment. The plan involves creating about 3 square miles of new land – twice the size of New York’s Central Park – in the Singapore Strait.

The idea for this project originated back in the 1990s but has recently gained new momentum. In 2023, Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) unveiled an initial plan that includes three sites connected by tidal gates and pumping stations.

Although engineering and environmental studies are ongoing, officials are confident the project will be realized in some form within the coming decades.

“This is a very ambitious proposal,” said Adam Switzer, professor of coastal sciences at the Asian School of the Environment at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. “And it truly reflects how Singapore incorporates long-term planning into almost everything it does.”

Singaporean officials considered a simple sea wall option but aimed to preserve residents’ access to the coastline. The URA plan envisions creating over 12 miles of new coastal parks, as well as land that could be used for residential, recreational, and commercial purposes.

Lee Sze Tek, a real estate consultant at Huttons Asia, noted that the “Long Island” could provide space for building between 30,000 and 60,000 housing units across various types of developments.

Given Singapore’s limited land availability, creating new housing areas is an important step to meet community needs, Switzer pointed out.

Additionally, the project will help address the country’s water shortage problem, which, despite its tropical climate, has long depended on imported water from Malaysia.

By connecting the “Long Island” to the mainland, the plan includes creating a large reservoir to retain fresh water that would otherwise flow into the sea. Switzer noted that this initiative could significantly aid in meeting Singapore’s growing water demands.

“The government is looking for as many benefits as possible. It’s not just about coastal protection.”

Officials believe that planning and implementing the “Long Island” will take several decades. After land reclamation, time will be needed for the land to settle before construction can begin.

The Singapore government supports the “Long Island” as an example of its long-term strategy, which is a key aspect of the country’s policy. Lee Kuan Yew, the nation’s founder, is known for his statement about planning for the next 100 years.

Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Kuan Yew’s successor, noted that protecting the country from rising sea levels could cost 100 billion Singapore dollars over the next century. The “Long Island” project was also included in the ruling party’s election manifesto.

Land reclamation has always been an important element of Singapore’s adaptation to future challenges. Today, the country’s total area is 25% larger than when it was founded.

However, land reclamation comes with political and environmental challenges. The process requires a huge amount of fill material, traditionally made up of imported sand, which may be limited due to environmental concerns.

Singapore is currently exploring alternatives, such as using ash from waste incineration combined with soil and construction debris.

Nevertheless, environmental organizations express concerns about the impact of reclamation on local flora and fauna.

Other low-lying countries are also considering land reclamation as a way to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Indonesia’s proposal to build a sea wall to protect Jakarta has sparked political debates, while Thailand and the Maldives have also proposed island construction.

In Denmark, construction has begun on an artificial peninsula to protect Copenhagen from flooding, albeit amid protests.

In contrast, Singapore has so far seen little opposition to the “Long Island” project. Flood resilience is a priority for the country, which has invested significant funds in improving its drainage system.

While the project symbolizes coastal resilience, Switzer emphasized that a broader strategy may include various solutions, such as creating oyster reefs or expanding mangrove forests.

“The Long Island is just part of a much bigger picture. As a low-lying country highly dependent on its coastline, it must be at the center of everyone’s attention.”