Minister Masagos cites importance of policy action in updating Singapore’s climate pledge

After five years, Singapore will be updating its climate pledge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli delivered Singapore’s national statement at the United Nations COP25 climate conference held in Madrid on Tuesday (Dec 10).

“Singapore will play our part. We will update our nationally determined contribution and communicate our long-term low emissions strategy soon.”

During the 2015 Paris Agreement, Singapore pledged to become a greener economy through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving each dollar of gross domestic product by 36 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

Countries that pledged in the 2015 Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. Scientists argue that 1.5 degrees Celsius is the necessary limit to prevent the worst global climate crisis.

Reports state that Singapore contributes 0.11 percent to global emissions, ranking 126th of 142 countries in terms of carbon dioxide emissions per dollar GDP.

Minister Masagos emphasized the value of translating these climate pledges into policies.

“Countries’ headline pledges must be backed by clear, effective domestic policies and plans. The focus must be on how we can generate and use energy sustainably.”

While Singapore relies on natural gas, Minister Masagos said that the government aims to expedite deployment of solar panels to harness renewable and clean energy.

Singapore also implemented the carbon tax, a first in Southeast Asia, to support emission reduction projects and energy efficiency schemes.

In addition, Singapore also aims to continue improving the public transport network and develop infrastructure apt for electric vehicles.

He added that next month Singapore will be co-organising a workshop on updating climate pledges with fellow Asean countries to share best practices and provide support.

“To succeed in our efforts to address climate change, we need to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to co-create and co-deliver solutions to solve our environmental challenges. Youths, businesses and civil society will be an important part of this effort. We are encouraged by the leadership shown by the private sector in championing environmental, social, and corporate governance principles. We are committed to work with our stakeholders to deliver a better and more sustainable future,” he concluded./TISG

Singapore’s greenhouse gases production scales at 52.5 million tonnes in 2017