'Green' S'poreans want them all

Today is World Environment Day, held to highlight environmental issues globally. SHARMILPAL KAUR takes a look at a major survey to see how aware Singaporeans really are

SINGAPOREANS are a lot greener than they have been painted to be.

Not only that, the younger and better educated they are, the more environmentally-conscious they are, according to a survey by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).

The survey, which was done to study the awareness, behaviour and attitudes here towards green issues, involved 1,000 Singaporeans of various backgrounds.

Eighty five per cent of those interviewed said that land should be set aside for nature reserves and parks, even if not many people visit them.

Only 57 per cent of them had visited a nature reserve before. But about eight in 10 of those aged 18 to 20 said they would visit nature reserves in the future.

Over half of all those surveyed agreed that land that has already been set aside for such sanctuaries should be maintained, and four in 10 said that more land should be set aside.

While a third of those surveyed aspired to own landed property, many were not willing to sacrifice nature for it.

Said Dr Geh Min, an SEC board member: 'The younger and more-educated ones who want nature reserves are also the ones who want private property. Singaporeans, in a way, want it all.'

Four out of five of those aged between 18 and 20 were against destroying more plant and animal species just to build more homes or factories.

This was something that augured well, said SEC board member Victor Savage.

Half of the interviewees were pleased over news that there would be fewer golf courses. An overwhelming 79 per cent disagreed that more land should be allocated for golf courses at the expense of land for nature.

Many also worried that a growing population would mean fewer nature areas.

Most felt that build- ing more high-rise flats was a way to cope with a rising population. Land reclamation was the next best choice. Only 5 per cent wanted more space through underground facilities.

And while most car owners here recognise the negative impact of having cars, over half either drove, or plan to drive in the future.

Overall, Singaporeans showed a high level of awareness of green issues both here and worldwide. Dr Savage said that the haze could be a reason for the awareness of the trans-boundary nature of pollution.

Singaporeans listed deforestation, pollution and increased generation of waste as main reasons for environmental degradation.

Seven in 10 were worried that global warming would be a danger here in the next 10 years.

The SEC will study the findings and will conduct 500 telephone interviews as a follow-up.

Copies of the survey were given to various authorities and will be made available to green groups.

Said Dr Savage: 'The SEC is pleasantly surprised by the sense of environmental consciousness and awareness among Singaporeans.

'It is very heartwarming for us.'