Singapore government unveils climate change battle plan

Singapore has released a national climate change strategy document which outlines the country's plans to address climate change through a whole-of-nation approach, according to Channel News Asia.

The key elements of Singapore's climate strategy include reducing emissions across sectors, building capabilities to adapt to the impact of climate change, harnessing opportunities for green growth and forging partnerships on climate change action.

The 136-page document was launched on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change.

"Energy efficiency is one of the key strategies because we are an alternative-energy-disadvantaged country because we do not have hydroelectricity (or) nuclear power. Even if it (nuclear power) is an option, it is a very long-term option because of our density," Teo said.

It is projected that Singapore's business-as-usual emissions are expected to reach 77.2 million tonnes by 2020 without any policy intervention.

According to the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) the manufacturing sector will contribute 60.3 per cent of these emissions, with global manufacturing companies set to scale up their operations in the coming years,

Singapore's refining and chemical industries are expected to contribute about half of Singapore's projected 2020 emissions, the transport sector about 14.5 percent, the building sector 13.8 percent, and households 7.8 percent.

Under this scenario, Teo said the government would try to reduce Singapore’s emissions through a variety of measures including encouraging more use of public and energy-efficient transport, introducing schemes to facilitate the adoption of energy efficient technologies and processes in manufacturing plants and helping raise energy conservation awareness among the population.

Teo admitted efforts to reduce Singapore's long-term emissions will be challenging as Singapore's small size limits the country's ability to draw on alternative energy. Nonetheless, he said, Singapore will enhance energy efficiency efforts and develop low carbon technologies to overcome current constraints.

Singapore is also building up expertise and capabilities on climate science, in partnerships with local and overseas research institutions.

Teo added that Singapore is well-positioned to tap the economic opportunities arising from climate change by creating high-value jobs for Singaporeans and enabling the economy to benefit from green growth.