Adapting to Sea Level Rise and Enhancing Flood Resilience

Rising Sea Levels

Singapore is a low-lying tropical island state with 30% of our island less than 5 m above mean sea level. Sea level rise therefore poses an existential threat. Singapore's coastal protection plans are underpinned by three approaches:

1. Assess flood risks holistically by modelling combined effects of extreme sea levels and heavy rainfall.
2. Formulate flexible coastal adaptation strategies to manage uncertainties and adjust to updates in climate science.
3. Plan multi-functional coastal protection measures that complement land use. This includes hybrid solutions that preserve or enhance the natural environment by combining natural elements like mangroves with hard engineering measures like dykes.

Singapore launched a Coastal Protection and Flood Management Research Programme in 2023. It will drive research and collaboration across the scientific community and industry to strengthen coastal protection and flood management capabilities.

Flood Resilience

Singapore adopts a "Source-Pathway-Receptor" approach, which covers the entire drainage system – from the areas generating stormwater runoff ("Source") to the path where stormwater travels ("Pathway") and where floods may occur ("Receptor"). We have made significant strides to mitigate flooding and expand drainage infrastructure, where feasible, in land-constrained Singapore.

As climate change intensifies extreme weather, we must continue enhancing Singapore's flood resilience. This includes providing early warning to the public on potential floods and encouraging residents and building owners to ensure their flood protection measures remain effective.

To realise our vision of a City in Nature, we transform concrete canals into natural rivers by integrating the canal with adjacent spaces. This enhances flood protection while supporting rich biodiversity and bringing people closer to our waters.

Find out more here.