Although Singapore is expecting more rainfall and rising sea levels in the coming years, 25% of its business sustainability professionals believe the public isn’t adequately worried about the effects of climate change and extreme weather. This is the highest rate of perceived disinterest compared to other Southeast Asian nations.

This data comes from “Flood Controls in Southeast Asia,” a study published by global pump manufacturer Grundfos and sustainability-focused organization Eco-Business Research. The study surveyed 417 sustainability leaders from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests that despite its advanced urban flood management, Singapore remains susceptible to flooding. The report estimates potential losses of up to US$21 billion in assets by 2070 due to extreme weather events like flooding.

Almost 70% of the Southeast Asian respondents anticipate their countries will experience extreme weather in the next decade, impacting local economies and infrastructure. Most respondents observed higher average temperatures and increasingly unpredictable monsoon seasons.

Tim Hill, Eco-Business Research’s Research Director, remarked that Singapore demonstrates some of the region’s best urban flood management practices, which might explain why respondents from Singapore seemed less concerned about climate change.

However, he also expressed concern that this apparent lack of concern might indicate a lack of awareness about the issue’s significance across all levels of society, especially considering Singapore’s vulnerability due to its low-lying geography and dense population.

Regionally, industry leaders agreed that their governments manage floods effectively due to strategic planning and sufficient funding. Thanks to continuous improvements in urban flood management, flood-prone areas in Singapore have decreased by 99% since the 1970s.

The study emphasizes the need for a collaborative regional approach to flood management. It recommends governments share successful strategies and establish frameworks for prevention and protection. A majority (59%) of Singaporean respondents believe their country collaborates effectively with neighboring countries to develop climate change solutions.

Chee Meng Tan, Grundfos’ Regional Business & Product Portfolio – Water Utility, Asia Pacific Region, highlighted the lack of regional discussion about effective flood management practices revealed by the study. He believes Singapore, as a leader in water technologies, should share its comprehensive and sustainable approach to urban flood management. This will help safeguard Southeast Asia from the challenges of global warming.

Tan emphasized the relevance of Singapore’s experience in tackling flooding in the face of land scarcity. He explained that as more regional cities urbanize, Singapore exemplifies addressing flooding when solutions like widening canals are not viable.

Tan suggested that best practices could encompass natural solutions like mangrove replanting and technological approaches such as sensors, rain animation charts, and intelligent pumping systems.

Here are key findings regarding Singapore respondents:

• One-third (35%) did not believe the country was prone to flooding.
• One-quarter disagreed that many people in their country are concerned about extreme weather events and climate change.
• 42% agreed or strongly agreed that urban planning adequately considers the impact of extreme weather events and climate conditions.
• 59% agree that their country collaborates effectively with neighboring countries to develop climate change solutions.

“Flood Controls in Southeast Asia” also examines the historical context of flooding in the region, illustrating a link between economic development and attitudes towards water.

The white paper is available for download at https://www.dropbox.com/s/aldr4cslpdxxlzv/Grundfos%20White%20Paper_Flood%20Controls%20in%20Southeast%20Asia_FINAL.PDF?dl=0 (PDF)