Public feedback sought ahead of climate targets submission for 2035

A public consultation exercise on Singapore's current decarbonisation plans was launched on Oct 8, with the Government seeking feedback ahead of submitting new climate targets for 2035 to the UN.

- Cheryl Tan Correspondent

The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) is asking the public about some key measures Singapore is taking to reduce its carbon emissions, such as its move to import clean electricity from its neighbours, and whether they agree that a low-carbon economy would provide good jobs for Singaporeans.

The questionnaire can be found on the website of the Government's feedback unit Reach. People are invited to share their views on the next phase of this "decarbonisation journey".

The NCCS said that Singapore's decarbonisation journey involves three transitions: a carbon transition to reduce emissions across all sectors; an energy transition to achieve a resilient, net-zero electricity grid; and an economic transition to remain competitive in a low-carbon future.

In the questionnaire, people are asked to rate their support for policies such as the use of solar in the energy transition, and whether they understand some of these policies, such as the need for importing low-carbon electricity, and how carbon credits can contribute to decarbonisation.

They are also asked whether Singapore should put in place policies that would provide companies with stronger disincentives to emit carbon, such as a higher carbon tax, or impose regulations on emissions.

Under the UN's Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit their climate targets, which are reflective of their "highest possible ambition", every five years. The next targets, which will be set for 2035, are due for submission by February 2025.

Called nationally determined contributions (NDC), these targets should help the world get to net-zero emissions by 2050, and cap global warming at 1.5 deg C.