Singapore calls for decisive commitments to address the climate emergency
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt: Singapore has emphasised the critical need for global focus and sustained action in the ongoing battle against the climate crisis, warning that the world may lose sight of the issue amid a host of other global challenges.
At the United Nations climate summit (COP27) on November 15, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu, reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to achieving impactful global cooperation within this critical decade. She cautioned that while attention is diverted to “pressing issues of the day,” the collective international ambition to limit global temperature rise must remain a priority.
“We are at a crossroads, and COP27 is pivotal,” Fu stated, highlighting that the choices made today will shape the future. “Singapore calls for global commitment, tangible implementation, and international partnerships for decisive action to maintain the 1.5°C target.”
Fu stressed the need for collaboration, stating that economic transitions led by the world’s largest emitters should support the widespread adoption of green technologies and products. She also underscored the importance of global standards and tariff-free trade to scale sustainable practices.
The backdrop of COP27 has been marked by numerous global crises, which have threatened to stall progress on climate change. Disasters and record-high temperatures over the past year have complicated efforts to curb emissions, especially in sectors like power generation, which continues to be impacted by geopolitical tensions such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A UN report reveals that although emissions reductions are occurring, they are not occurring at the necessary pace to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C by the end of the century.
Singapore’s updated climate pledges, including its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce emissions to 60 million tonnes by 2030, were also highlighted. Fu called on other nations to deliver “real emission reductions,” reinforcing that Singapore’s targets are supported by concrete plans and policies, which depend on technological advancements and global cooperation, particularly in decarbonisation technologies like hydrogen.
The country is actively participating in several coalitions at COP27, addressing issues such as carbon markets, green shipping, forest management, and water security. Additionally, Singapore is focusing on food resilience and the climate adaptation of its new towns, alongside efforts to import 4GW of clean energy by 2035 and push forward the Lao-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project.
In her concluding remarks, Fu reiterated that Singapore would spare no effort in its climate action and would launch a three-year Sustainability Action Package to enhance regional cooperation, focusing on areas like green project management, carbon markets, and low-carbon development.
“Regional cooperation is essential for decarbonising Southeast Asia,” she stated, adding that Singapore’s approach would help tackle the climate crisis in the region with a unified strategy. Negotiations at COP27 are scheduled to conclude on Friday.
