In 1968, the government of Singapore launched the Clean and Green Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the cleanliness and greenery of the city. The campaign was a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization that had transformed Singapore in the post-independence period, which had led to a growing pollution problem and a loss of green spaces.
The Clean and Green Campaign
The Clean and Green Campaign was initiated by the newly-formed Ministry of the Environment, and was spearheaded by its minister, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim. The campaign aimed to make Singapore a clean and green city, and involved a range of activities, including tree-planting, litter-picking, and public education campaigns. The government also introduced new laws and regulations to curb pollution, such as the Anti-Littering Act and the Smoke-Free Zones Act.
One of the Cleanest and Greenest Cities in the World
The campaign was a major success, and Singapore today is known as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world. The city-state has won numerous awards for its environmental initiatives, including the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2014, which recognized its efforts to create a sustainable and livable urban environment.
What Factors Played a Role ?
According to experts, the success of the Clean and Green Campaign can be attributed to a number of factors. One of these is the strong political will and leadership shown by the government, which made environmental issues a priority and allocated significant resources towards addressing them. Another factor was the active participation of the community, who supported the campaign and took ownership of their own environment. Finally, the campaign was also underpinned by a strong educational and awareness-raising component, which helped to promote a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability
As Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, the former Minister of the Environment, noted, “The Clean and Green Campaign was a symbol of our determination to transform Singapore into a livable and sustainable city. It was not just about cleaning up the streets, but about changing mindsets and creating a sense of ownership and responsibility among our citizens. Today, Singapore is a shining example of how a small city-state can achieve big things in environmental sustainability.”
Singapore Green Plan 2030
The Clean and Green Campaign continues to this day, and remains a key pillar of Singapore’s environmental policy. The government has set ambitious targets for reducing waste and carbon emissions, and has launched a range of new initiatives to promote sustainability, such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Conclusion
As Singapore continues to grow and develop, the legacy of the Clean and Green Campaign remains an important reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of environmental stewardship in creating a sustainable and livable future.
“The Clean and Green Campaign was a turning point in Singapore’s history, and demonstrated the power of collective action and political will in addressing environmental challenges,” said Professor Tommy Koh, a renowned environmentalist and diplomat. “It remains a source of inspiration for those seeking to create a sustainable and livable future for all.” Also learn about Why Cars Are Not Popular in Singapore: Understanding the Economic, Environmental, and Urban Factors in our article.
