When the tide surged over East Coast Park’s drains in 2026, sending seawater spilling onto walkways, it wasn’t just a scene of inconvenience—it was a warning. Singapore, where 30% of the land sits less than five meters above sea level, is on the front lines of rising oceans. Now, the city-state is answering that threat with a bold vision: 'Long Island', a massive new land reclamation project set to rise off its vulnerable eastern shore.
Climate change isn’t a distant risk here—it’s already reshaping daily life. By 2100, sea levels around Singapore could climb by up to 1.15 meters, and during extreme weather, temporary surges might push waters 4 to 5 meters higher. That puts critical infrastructure like Changi Airport and entire neighborhoods at risk. In response, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and partner agencies have committed to building 'Long Island'—a reclaimed landform stretching about 800 hectares, roughly the size of 1,100 football fields.
This isn’t just about walls and barriers. The plan reimagines protection as possibility. By reclaiming land at a higher elevation, 'Long Island' will act as a natural sea defense, shielding the coast from storm surges and high tides. It will also create a new reservoir, managed by two centralised barrages similar to the iconic Marina Barrage, to store stormwater and keep seawater out during high tides. Twelve outlet drains along the coast will funnel water safely into this reservoir, preventing flooding in low-lying areas.
And there’s room for life, too. The project will add around 20 kilometers of new waterfront parks—doubling the recreational coastline—becoming part of a continuous 120-kilometer stretch of public waterfront along the southern coast. This green-blue vision emerged not just from engineers, but from over 14,000 Singaporeans who shared their hopes during public consultations since 2023.
Preparatory work begins at the end of 2026, marking the start of years of technical study and design refinement. But the message is clear: Singapore isn’t just defending against climate change—it’s building a future with it. As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong once said, the island aims to turn challenges into opportunities. With 'Long Island', that future is already taking shape, one wave at a time.