From cool roofs and urban forests to energy efficient cooling Singapore’s climate adaptation model could help India tackle rising temperatures and delayed monsoons.
Extreme heat grips large parts of Asia and Europe countries are searching for practical ways to protect people from rising temperatures. With a Super El Nino contributing to severe heatwaves and slowing the progress of India monsoon, experts say adapting to hotter conditions is becoming just as important as reducing emissions. Among the countries leading this effort is Singapore which has spent decades building a comprehensive strategy to stay cool despite its hot, humid climate.
Located near the equator, Singapore experiences high humidity, intense sunshine and urban heat island effects throughout the year. Yet the city state has managed to reduce heat stress through a combination of technology, urban planning, green infrastructure and public awareness. Many of these solutions could be adapted by India as it faces increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.
Energy Efficient Cooling and Greener Cities
Singapore is often called an “air conditioning nation” because cooling systems are widely used in homes, offices and public buildings. However, the country pairs this with strict energy efficiency measures. Under the government’s “Go 25” campaign, public buildings keep air conditioners at 25°C or higher to reduce electricity use while maintaining comfort.
Large ceiling fans are also promoted alongside air conditioning, with studies showing that combining fans with slightly higher AC temperatures can reduce energy consumption by around 30 to 33 percent.
The country has also introduced district cooling systems where multiple buildings are cooled through centralised chilled-water networks instead of individual air conditioning units. Such systems lower energy demand and reduce emissions.
Urban greenery plays an equally important role. Through initiatives such as the Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High Rises (LUSH) programme, Singapore has expanded parks, planted millions of trees and encouraged rooftop and vertical gardens. Most residents now live within a short walk of a park helping reduce local temperatures through shade and natural cooling.
Smart Urban Planning Could Inspire India
Singapore has also experimented with cool roofs and reflective coatings on residential buildings to reduce heat absorption. More than 130 housing blocks have already been covered with heat reflecting paints that lower indoor temperatures.
The city state carefully plans building layouts and street designs to maximise natural airflow through wind corridors, while shaded walkways and covered public spaces make outdoor areas more comfortable during hot weather.
Experts believe similar measures could benefit Indian cities. Expanding tree cover, promoting cool roofs, encouraging energy efficient cooling systems and integrating wind corridors into urban planning could reduce heat stress in densely populated areas. Programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT could incorporate these climate resilient designs while dedicated heat action plans could protect vulnerable communities during prolonged heatwaves.
Singapore also supports its cooling strategy with strong government policies, public awareness campaigns and research partnerships that continuously improve climate resilience. As rising temperatures become the new normal, its experience demonstrates that a combination of efficient cooling, greener cities and thoughtful urban planning can help reduce both heatrelated health risks and long term energy consumption.
With India expected to experience more frequent heatwaves in the coming decades, experts say adapting proven solutions to local conditions may become essential for protecting millions of people while building climate resilient cities.