S'pore, New Zealand to collaborate in climate change fight

Energy transition tech, carbon markets and green transport among areas of cooperation

- Goh Yan Han

Singapore and New Zealand will be working more closely on the green economy and the fight against climate change, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced yesterday.

Both countries will work on initiatives in energy transition technology, carbon markets, sustainable transport and waste management for a start, reflecting their shared commitment to reduce their carbon footprint, he added.

At a joint press conference with visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, PM Lee said both countries share similar perspectives on climate change.

“We need stronger cooperation amongst countries to protect the most vulnerable peoples and places on our planet,” he said.

“We see opportunities for practical collaboration as we adopt low-carbon and green technologies.”

Ms Ardern, who is on a three-day visit, noted that a quarter of New Zealand’s imports and a fifth of its exports travel through Singapore’s port, and there is a natural partnership given Wellington’s ambitions to reduce emissions.