Ho Ching Highlights Opportunities in Climate Investment
SINGAPORE – Addressing the climate crisis should be seen not as an expense but as an investment in a sustainable future, Temasek’s outgoing chief executive Ho Ching stated on Thursday (30 September). Speaking at the Ecosperity Week sustainability conference, she emphasised the potential for climate action to generate significant economic and social benefits within the next two decades.
Ms Ho warned that inaction carries far greater costs, both economically and environmentally. She highlighted the opportunity to create millions of jobs globally as industries pivot towards clean energy and sustainable practices. “We share a collective responsibility with governments and businesses to ensure a future for workers and societies,” she said at the hybrid conference held at Marina Bay Sands.
Leadership Transition at Temasek
Ms Ho, who will step down from her role on Friday, is set to join Temasek Trust’s Board of Directors and assume the position of chairman in April 2022. She will be succeeded by Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, who will oversee both Temasek and its commercial arm, Temasek International.
Urgency for Decisive Climate Measures
Ms Ho reiterated the dire consequences of insufficient action, noting the acceleration of glacial melts and rising global temperatures. Current policies suggest the world is on track for a 1.5°C temperature increase by 2040, breaching the goal of keeping it below that threshold by 2050. “We continue to release carbon dioxide and methane at alarming rates, jeopardising tomorrow for short-term gains,” she said.
However, she noted growing corporate interest in contributing to sustainability. Temasek has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with interim targets of halving its 2010 carbon emissions by 2030. Ms Ho stressed the importance of engaging with high-emission industries to support their transition rather than divesting for symbolic reasons. “Real decarbonisation requires hard work, innovation, and collaboration,” she added.
Innovative Investments in Sustainability
Temasek has partnered with BlackRock through its Decarbonisation Partners initiative, aiming to fund solutions for a zero-carbon economy. It has also launched a debt-financing platform with HSBC to support sustainable infrastructure projects, initially focusing on Southeast Asia.
“Climate action is not merely a cost. It is a long-term investment opportunity that promises significant returns beyond 2030,” Ms Ho said, urging stakeholders to adopt a forward-thinking approach to climate financing and infrastructure development.
