Singapore’s New Cabinet Prioritizes Climate Change

The Importance of Climate Change Mitigation in Singapore

In 2019, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the critical importance of climate change defenses for Singapore, comparing it to the significance of the country’s armed forces. This set the stage for a series of initiatives aimed at tackling the global crisis, including higher carbon taxes and plans to import clean-generated electricity.

The New Government’s Commitment to Climate Change

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the focus on mitigating climate change continues to be a top priority for the new Government. A significant development is the establishment of an Energy, Science, and Technology portfolio within the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), led by Dr. Tan See Leng.

• Singapore relies heavily on natural gas, a fossil fuel that accounts for approximately 40% of the country’s total emissions.
• With the push for electrification in sectors like land transport, the need for cleaner alternative fuel sources is urgent to achieve Singapore’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Focus on Clean Energy

Prime Minister Wong emphasized the importance of energy, particularly clean energy, in his government’s agenda. With Dr. Tan’s new role, there is a concerted effort to accelerate the transition to clean energy and explore options for a more sustainable energy future.

• The potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore is under consideration, as it offers a stable electricity supply without emitting greenhouse gases.
• The government is actively studying the feasibility of nuclear power as part of its energy mix.

International Engagement on Climate Action

Singapore’s commitment to climate action extends to the international stage, with Minister Grace Fu leading efforts in multilateral environmental platforms.

• Ms. Fu’s expertise in navigating global climate negotiations positions Singapore as a key player in advancing environmental treaties.
• Collaboration with like-minded partners is essential to make meaningful progress in addressing climate change.

Setting Ambitious Climate Targets

Singapore has set ambitious climate targets, including a commitment to reduce emissions to between 45 million and 50 million tonnes by 2035, paving the way for net-zero emissions by 2050.

• The country’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 stood at 58.59 million tonnes, with a projected peak before transitioning to long-term emission reduction targets.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Singapore has made significant strides in climate action, there is room for improvement, especially in addressing per capita emissions and consumption-related emissions.

• Navigating the complexities of climate action while balancing economic considerations will be a key challenge for the new Government.

Conclusion

Singapore’s commitment to tackling climate change is evident in its policy initiatives and ambitious targets. By prioritizing clean energy, engaging in international climate discussions, and setting clear goals, the country is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development.

FAQs

What are Singapore’s climate targets for 2035?

Singapore aims to reduce its emissions to between 45 million and 50 million tonnes by 2035, setting the stage for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

How is Singapore addressing per capita emissions?

Despite ranking 20th in carbon emissions per capita globally, Singapore is actively working to reduce its environmental impact and transition to cleaner energy sources.