SINGAPORE'S EFFORTS IN MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

According to the United Nations, climate change is anticipated to have an unprecedented effect on people and ecosystems. In the case of a small country like Singapore, climate change can have far-reaching consequences, as aptly summarised by Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, during the 2019 National Day Rally Speech, when he highlighted that climate change has threatened the existence of the nation in the 21st century.

Being a low-lying island with very limited natural resources, Singapore is less resilient to climate change. The country is expected to experience sea level rise and hotter climate, resulting in erratic weather conditions. Climate change will also pose a risk towards daily necessities, which possibly endangers public health in Singapore, with such effects exacerbated with occasional shocks and stresses on economic front and geo-political relations.

In the context of the above-mentioned challenges, it is worthwhile to study Singapore’s efforts in mitigating climate change for the benefit of the future generations. Notwithstanding how the country has managed to tackle various issues in the early years, Singapore needs to move beyond the norm to address the climate change, especially as climate change’s origin has a global footprint and Singapore has no control over how other countries will support the Paris Agreement and climate change initiatives. In addition, as Singapore is fast moving towards digital transformation and green transport, the electricity demand for data centers and electric vehicles will rise, despite the widespread adoption of solar energy. Emissions due to burning of natural gas to produce electricity will continue in the next few decades until there is a viable alternative. To this end, Singapore has been setting out multi-sectorial plans including those in recently launched Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Singapore has participated in the Paris Climate Agreement and enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of an absolute emissions target to peak emissions at 65 MtCO2e around 2030. Singapore has also announced plans to cut down emissions before 2050 and attain zero emissions as soon as feasible in the next period. While there are concerns that Singapore’s NDC emission targets are weak compared to its implemented policies, the complexity of the issue calls for greater understanding of the knowledge gaps and involvement of multiple stakeholders, including efforts by individuals in living a sustainable lifestyle.

The dissertation seeks to provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of Singapore’s efforts in mitigating climate change and propose constructive recommendations for further improvements. It also covers discussions on climate change initiatives by other countries, and the impact of COVID-19 on climate change situation in Singapore.

Key findings of the studies include the assertion that institutional capabilities and support framework in Singapore are robust. However, there is a need for enhancement of the current policies and programmes, greater adoption of technological innovations, and deeper involvement of all the stakeholders with targeted communications to different demographic groups. These findings and the recommendations will be useful to policy makers and climate change professionals in Singapore.