Singapore, an island nation with a significant portion of its land just 16 feet above sea level, is fighting rising seas to protect S$70 billion worth of prime real estate. With climate change increasing the risk of flooding, Deputy Director Ho Chai Teck from PUB, the country’s water agency, emphasized that the nation will not lose any land permanently and is building a continuous line of defense along the coastline.

One-third of Singapore is highly vulnerable, with skyscrapers, luxury malls, and banks located near Marina Bay facing the threat of submersion. Essential areas like Jurong Island, which hosts oil and petrochemical operations, are also at risk. According to CBRE Group, 1.5°C of warming could leave billions of dollars in real estate exposed to floods.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that S$100 billion will be needed over the next century to combat rising sea levels. The government has already allocated S$5 billion to fund coastal and flood protection efforts. Lee emphasized that climate defenses are as vital to the nation’s survival as its armed forces.

Singapore has already fortified 70% of its coastline with human-made barriers, such as the Marina Barrage, a S$226 million dam that helps prevent flooding in low-lying areas. But as climate threats grow, the government plans to enhance existing measures, potentially using storm surge barriers and raising the heights of dikes to protect vital industrial areas.

In a unique experiment, Singapore is exploring nature-based solutions by using mangrove trees to shield against storms. These trees, which can absorb 75% of storm waves, are being studied in combination with rock barriers to enhance coastal defenses. However, mangroves alone may not suffice, and engineered solutions will play a key role in protecting the island’s shores.

Inspired by the Dutch, who have long battled rising waters, Singapore is using polder technology to reclaim land below sea level. The Pulau Tekong project, set to add 7.77 sq km to the nation’s landmass, is an innovative attempt to adapt Dutch methods to the tropics. These efforts are critical as Singapore learns to manage water more effectively amid increasing rains.

In addition to government actions, businesses are also stepping up. Companies like City Developments and Frasers Property have installed floodgates and water-level sensors at key locations to protect their assets. Despite progress, experts like David Fogarty from CBRE say more action is needed to address the rapid pace of rising sea levels and to protect Singapore’s future.