Singapore issues national climate change strategy

National Geographic: Singapore, the newest addition to the global C40 network, has recently published its national climate change strategy, “Climate Change & Singapore: Challenges. Opportunities. Partnerships.” The comprehensive document reflects the key elements of Singapore’s efforts on this issue – preparing for the uncertainties and impact of climate change, seizing opportunities for green growth, and supporting the transition to a lower emission economy.

Singapore has been a longstanding leader on environmental issues. It created its Ministry of the Environment in 1972, making it one of the first countries to form a Ministry dedicated to creating and sustaining a good environment for its people. Today, climate governance is strong at the highest levels: long-term planning, policies and action are guided and coordinated by the National Climate Change Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change.

As a low-lying island that is densely populated, Singapore is focused on efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and severe weather events, through integrated land use planning, water management and investment in research and infrastructure. Reducing emissions is another core aspect of its climate strategy, building upon significant efforts to date, including sourcing 80 percent of its fuel for electricity generation from natural gas and capping vehicle growth through regulation and taxes. Singapore is also studying how to stabilise its emissions over the long term....