Singapore's 2035 climate targets feasible but collaboration, geopolitical stability vital: Experts

Road to 2035: Driving down emissions

- Shabana Begum

Energy experts and companies said Singapore's 2035 climate targets are feasible to achieve, but substantially slashing planet-warming emissions will not be easy given the geopolitical uncertainties.

The success of the island-state's climate goals hinges on government support, more emission-reducing technologies being trialled and collaboration with other countries, especially with neighbours.

The public may also have to brace themselves for higher electricity and energy costs with the need to scale up climate mitigation measures, experts added.

On Feb 10, Singapore announced its 2035 climate targets.

The Republic aims to reduce its emissions to between 45 million tonnes (Mt) and 50Mt by 2035, down from the 60Mt it expects to emit in 2030. This target allows Singapore's emissions to decline on a linear trajectory, dropping steadily over time instead of registering a sharper downturn closer to mid-century.

Singapore's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 amounted to 58.59Mt. The Republic expects its emissions to reach a peak of 64.43Mt in 2028, before coming down to 60Mt in 2030.

While measures such as improving energy efficiency and greening buildings are low-hanging fruit, major emission-cutting measures such as green electricity imports and carbon capture need international collaboration.

In addition, said Dr Zhong Sheng, a research fellow at the NUS Energy Studies Institute (ESI), political willingness, stable regulatory frameworks and geopolitical stability are key for electricity imports to proceed without disruption.