Singapore's Cool Secret: How Shade Turned a City into a Green Oasis

Singapore is a tropical island nation known for its hot and humid climate. Over the years, the city has become famous for its creative ways to keep people cool and comfortable. One of the main strategies is to provide shade everywhere, from covered sidewalks to tree-lined streets. The need for shade is especially important because heat is one of the biggest climate threats to people, even more dangerous than floods or storms. Cities like Singapore get even hotter because of the urban heat island effect, which means buildings and roads trap heat.

The tradition of covered walkways in Singapore goes back to colonial times. Stamford Raffles, a British official, wanted to make sure people could walk safely and comfortably, even during heavy rain or strong sun. He required buildings to have covered passages, which became known as 'verandah-ways. ' These walkways fell out of use for a while but were brought back by Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister. Lee believed that shade was essential for people's comfort and the country's productivity. He made sure that new public housing buildings had open ground floors, called 'void decks,' where people could gather and catch a breeze. Later, the government built metal canopies over sidewalks to keep people dry and cool as they walked to buses and trains.

Singapore's approach to shade is unique. The city has about 200 kilometers of covered walkways, and developers are required to include shaded areas in their buildings. Trees are planted everywhere, and special places like Gardens by the Bay feature both real and artificial trees that provide shade. The government also makes sure that parks and green spaces are available in all neighborhoods, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of shade. While trees are great for cooling, they can make the air more humid, so Singapore uses a mix of trees and built structures for shade. The city is a model for others that want to fight heat and make life more comfortable for their people. With careful planning and strong leadership, Singapore has shown that it is possible to create a cooler, greener city for everyone.