What this lesson teaches
I can explain why Singapore must keep its economy, society and environment sustainable at the same time.
Syllabus K329, Topic 5.3, Key Question 1. Why is sustainable development important for Singapore?
Make a guess
A factory brings many jobs to a town, but its fumes make residents ill and the river dirty. Is it good for the town's economy in the long run?
- No, probably not. Pollution weakens health and investment.
- No, because factories rarely help an economy.
- Yes, because the environment and economy are unrelated.
- Yes, because jobs matter most to a town's economy.
Show the answer
No, probably not. Pollution weakens health and investment.
A competitive economy needs healthy workers and confidence in a place. Pollution harms health and costs money to clean up, so the three goals are linked.
A strong economy, a healthy environment and a good quality of life support each other, and sustainable development needs all three.
A competitive economy attracts investment and creates jobs. Businesses need skilled workers, good infrastructure and confidence they can keep running. Pollution and repeated disruption weaken all of these.
A healthy environment needs clean air and water and working ecosystems. Pollution harms health and costs money to clean up. Damaged habitats provide fewer services. So protecting nature supports both health and the economy.
Quality of life should improve for everyone. Good services, shared spaces and community spirit help people take part. Residents can share ideas, volunteer and help shape plans. Active participation is part of sustainable development.
- Economy
- Investment and jobs.
- Environment
- Clean air and water; working ecosystems.
- Quality of life
- Services, community spirit and participation.
Step by step
Jobs and investment
A strong economy provides work and income.
Healthy surroundings
Clean air, water and nature support health.
Quality of life
Services and participation spread the benefits.
Real examples to use
Marina Barrage (2008)
PUB's dam across the 350 m wide Marina Channel serves all three goals. It created a reservoir whose catchment is one-sixth of Singapore, for water supply. Its gates release storm water to the sea at low tide, reducing floods in low areas such as Chinatown. Its calm water and green roof are used for recreation.
Worked example: A park does many jobs
A well-designed park gives recreation, shade and a place to meet. It must be easy to reach, maintained and good for wildlife. It may help attract investment, but it does not prove every resident benefits.
Watch out for this
Sustainability is only about protecting nature.
Nature matters, but so do jobs, fairness, community life and future generations.
Check your understanding
Which evidence best judges a new neighbourhood project?
- Jobs, air and water effects, and access for each group.
- The developer's revenue and the rents it can charge.
- The number of trees planted and the total size of its parks.
Show the answer
Jobs, air and water effects, and access for each group.
Yes. It checks all three goals.