Need to protect future generations drives support for net-zero goal: Poll

With the effects of climate change now more keenly felt worldwide, respondents of a recent climate survey are largely supportive of Singapore's net-zero target because they want a liveable environment for future generations, and reduce the worst effects of the climate crisis.

- Shabana Begum

These existential reasons for cutting carbon emissions ranked above those centred on the benefits of going green for Singapore's economy – such as boosting economic growth, creating jobs and safeguarding the competitiveness of industries.

The results of the questionnaire by the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) were released online on Jan 17, weeks before Singapore – alongside other countries – is to submit its 2035 climate targets to the UN.

Between October and November 2024, NCCS carried out a public consultation exercise on Singapore's current decarbonisation plans to reach net zero by 2050.

The survey received 580 responses, with 96 per cent of respondents indicating they took an interest in issues related to climate change.

The majority of respondents were aged between 20 and 49.

They were asked about their views on a suite of decarbonisation solutions, personal behavioural changes they were willing to make to go green, and the transition to a low-carbon economy, among other things.