Innovative Solutions in Singapore's Battle Against Rising Sea Levels: Is the City-State Future-Ready?

SINGAPORE: As a nation grappling with rising sea levels due to climate change, low-lying Singapore is in search of groundbreaking innovations to defend its coastlines. Among these solutions are watertight stackable walls designed to mitigate flooding and storm surges that threaten its shores.

Experts emphasize the necessity of validating these innovations in real-world conditions to ensure their practicality and impact. To facilitate effective implementation, Singapore's national water agency, the Public Utilities Board (PUB), is developing new legislation aimed at reinforcing future coastal protection measures.

Funding for Future-Proofing

In a bid to safeguard its coastlines, Singapore has allocated a substantial budget of S$125 million (approximately US$92 million) for coastal protection and flood management research. This commitment underscores the urgency of addressing coastal vulnerabilities, especially with Singapore's extensive coastline that stretches over 300 kilometers.

PUB, alongside relevant agencies, has launched multiple site-specific studies throughout the coastline, with a major focus on the City-East Coast study. This initiative covers crucial areas such as Changi, East Coast, and the Greater Southern Waterfront, where waterfront residential projects are set to rise. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has stated that this research will guide the implementation of necessary coastal protection infrastructure in these high-risk zones.

The Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI), part of the National University of Singapore, is currently engaged in 17 active research projects aimed at enhancing Singapore's coastal defenses. One of the exciting developments is the creation of stackable walls — innovative structures that not only provide watertight barriers but also harmonize with the natural surroundings when retrofitted.

Researchers, including Assistant Professor Chew Soon Hoe from NUS’ Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, are conducting detailed surveys of vulnerable coastal sections to better understand their needs. "We aim to validate our solutions through laboratory model-scale studies," he explained, emphasizing the importance of pilot testing in real coastal environments to confirm their effectiveness.

Studies indicate that a significant portion of Singapore's Central Business District could face flooding if sea levels were to rise just a few meters. Notably, much of the financial hub is situated on reclaimed land, with elevations of less than 5 meters above sea level. "If sea levels continue to rise, the entirety of the island is at risk," warned Asst Prof Chew.

Addressing Environmental Threats

Beyond climate resilience, experts stress the importance of enhancing shoreline protections against oil spills. Earlier this year, Singapore faced a major environmental challenge when a collision between two vessels discharged about 400 metric tonnes of oil into the water, staining the southern coastline. This incident occurred on June 14 and necessitated a massive cleanup operation lasting over two months, particularly impacting popular locations like Sentosa.

Dr. Jani Tanzil, a senior research fellow at St John's Island National Marine Laboratory, highlighted the significant ramifications of such spills on coastal environments. The collision served as a crucial reminder of the perils of busy shipping activities in Singapore's constrained maritime space. "We were fortunate that it occurred during mid tide, preventing widespread damage to coral reefs and sea grass," she said.

Dr. Tanzil further emphasized the need for Singapore to implement better practices that not only protect shores but also enhance livability for both humans and marine life. "We must ensure that our coastal development is sustainable, safeguarding these precious ecosystems that are both sensitive and crucial for biodiversity."

As Singapore invests in innovative measures against rising sea levels and pollution, the question remains — will these strategies be sufficient to secure its future against the growing threats of climate change? Only time will tell if these advancements can hold back the tides.