Is Singapore the Worst Environmental Offender

Summary of the issue

The news report discussed the validity of the results of a joint study undertaken by National University of Singapore (NUS) and the University of Adelaide, which ranked Singapore as the worst environmental offender among 179 countries. The study provided two novel metrics environmental impact ranks- a proportional index which measured impact against total resource availability, and an absolute index which measured total impact on global environmental degradation. Singapore was the worst environmental performer in terms of proportional environmental impact. The study implied that the nation’s development was pursued at the expense of its environment.

However, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources refuted the results of the study on grounds that Singapore’s unique circumstances were not regarded. The article also drew evidence from another environmental study which rated Singapore negatively due a different measurement standard adopted by Singapore government. In addition, it cited Singapore’s improvement in environmental performance, as well as the commitment of the government on environmental issues.

Other related theoretical perspectives

a) Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)

The EKC hypothesizes an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental degradation and income per capita. Pollution level increases with rising income in the early stages of economic growth, it reaches a maximum and the trend reverses thereafter (Lee, Chung & Koo, 2005). This implies wealthier societies can reduce pollution level through advancing green technologies and sustainable practices. It is undisputed that in the pursuit of Singapore’s economic progression, the environment suffered irreversible damages. However, it remains arguable if Singapore and other developed nations such as the US, Japan and Australia follow the inverted relationship as they are ranked top polluters in the study, and thus to some extent questions the validity...