Why is there a need for Deforestation?

Deforestation is deemed necessary in Singapore for industrial development and human habitation. Especially, since Singapore has limited lands that have to be used for extensive purposes. Varying from cattle ranching to mining. Our neighbouring countries, Indonesia and Malaysia practices deforestation for agricultural purposes like creating space for palm oil plantation.

However, for Singapore, given our strategic location as a global industrial hub in ASEAN, the main purpose of Singapore’s deforestation is to clear land for economic uses, building cities, and to cater to the rapidly growing population.

—

One example of deforestation in Singapore would be the urbanization projects in Punggol.

One of the many trees cut down in Punggol

The number of flats in Punggol was said to be doubled, from the current 18,000 residential units to 35,000 by 2015. A new town council will also be introduced soon, to launch the first mixed commercial and residential site.

The difference between before and after deforestation in Punggol

However, these plans may come with certain detrimental environmental issues, due to the high concentration of hard surfaces instead of greeneries. This is portrayed by the picture on the left. By looking at this, we should think to ourselves:

“What have we done? Have we compromised our ecosystem for our pleasure?”