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Today, more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas. Modern cities massively contribute to climate change, but also stand on the frontline of its negative impacts. Singapore, a highly urbanised island state along the coast, faces serious threats such as the sea-level rise, increasing temperatures, and more extreme rainfall patterns.

The city-state has committed to the Paris Agreement of 2015 and made significant efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation. Its rationale and policy on urban planning, infrastructure development and resource management are widely recognised as an international role model for western and Asian cities.

Supported by KAS RECAP, the College of Law at Georgia State University, and ICOMOS Singapore organises a five-day study space on June 17-22. It explores critical questions including:

• How does Singapore achieve substantial economic growth while utilising natural resource and land in a sustainable manner?
• How does the country balance preservation of cultural heritage and historic sites with development?
• How does the city-state govern climate change?
• What is the role of innovation, data collection and technology in urban planning?

Topics explored over the week include:

• Balancing economic goals with natural resource and land limitations
• Land-use law, urban planning, housing and equitable, and sustainable development
• Smart city movement, infrastructure finance and taxation
• Cultural heritage and historic preservation
• Land reclamation, environmental law, green space preservation and climate change