Updated: 06/23/2012 01:47

Being green and sustainable in the future means living in dense, well-planned cities

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Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said being green and sustainable in the future is about living in dense, well-planned, well-implemented cities.

Dr Vivian added that these cities are where political, economic and social goods can be distributed fairly and cost-effectively.

He noted that this insight by the UN Habitat was remarkably apt for Singapore.

Dr Vivian, who is attending the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janeiro, made this point at a Global Town Hall discussion.

The session discussed the future sustainability of urban environments.

On another point, the United Nations has estimated that by 2050, 80 per cent of the world's population will be urbanised.

Dr Vivian noted that the balance of power will lie in the cities and he said that there are great opportunities there.