Singapore is committing billions to tackle climate change impacts, including rising temperatures and flooding, while continuing development projects that threaten vital secondary forests. This tension has sparked rare public protests and a call for reassessing the environmental consequences of forest clearing.
- Singapore spends $78 billion on climate adaptation yet plans forest clearing.
- Secondary forests help cool the city and reduce flood risk.
- Public rallies urge better environmental assessments before development.
What happened
In July 2026, the Singaporean government announced plans to develop Maju Forest, a 23-hectare secondary forest in central Singapore, sparking public outcry. Maju and other forest areas such as Sembawang and Gillman Barracks are being cleared to address a housing shortage caused by a growing population. These forests, which regrew over previous plantations and villages after urban migration began in the 1960s, now cover about 16% of Singapore’s land.
The government’s environmental impact assessments for these sites focus on pollution and biodiversity impacts but have been criticized for not fully accounting for the forests' contributions to climate mitigation and public health. Despite protests and calls for updated assessments, development will continue with some adjustments to retain more forest area than initially planned.
Why it feels good
These forests deliver crucial benefits beyond just wildlife habitat. They naturally cool urban heat, reduce flood risks by absorbing heavy rainfall, and improve air quality, which supports public health in a densely populated city. Recent studies emphasize how forest removal increases urban temperatures and vulnerability to flash flooding, potentially aggravating climate challenges faced by Singapore.
Public awareness and activism demonstrate growing engagement with environmental and climate issues, pushing for a stronger alignment between development and sustainability goals. This dialogue signals an encouraging shift toward holistic urban planning that values ecosystem services alongside economic growth.
What to enjoy or watch next
Singapore's first national climate adaptation plan, slated for release in 2027, will be a key document to watch. Officials have indicated it will adopt a broad approach covering heat resilience, flood control, biodiversity, and urban liveability. Whether it will explicitly protect secondary forests as part of climate adaptation remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, continuing public involvement and expert input could influence future development strategies. Tracking how the government balances urgent housing needs with long-term environmental sustainability will be important for Singapore’s ambitious climate goals and the well-being of its residents.