Greater need now to prepare for serious climate impacts: Singapore climate ambassador

Republic has to adapt as a country and in collaboration with neighbours

- Chin Hui Shan

Singapore's Ambassador for Climate Action Ravi Menon. He spoke to the media on Oct 21 in his first official interview since he was appointed in April 2024. In the role - which is a first for Singapore - Mr Menon represents the country at international climate action platforms.

(ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM)

The need to be prepared to deal with climate change impacts has grown in importance over the past year, said Singapore's Ambassador for Climate Action Ravi Menon on Oct 21.

Speaking to the media in his first official interview since he was appointed in April 2024, Mr Menon said scientists are more worried today about the pace of climate change than they were a few years ago.

"It's also becoming clear that it is unlikely - or next to impossible - that the world can limit global temperature increase to within 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels," he said. "So the logic flows that there will be serious climate impacts."

Climate scientists have said that warming must be limited to 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.

Given this, it is clear that Singapore needs to "double down" on adaptation efforts as a country, and in collaboration with its neighbours, said Mr Menon during the interview held at The Treasury.

Adaptation is thus a major priority for him in his role as Singapore's Ambassador for Climate Action, he said.

In the role - which is a first for Singapore - Mr Menon represents the country at international climate action platforms.

He also helps to drive partnerships with local stakeholders, in particular the business community, to help them contribute to global discussions on how to address climate challenges.

Climate adaptation is one of two key prongs of climate action, and refers to actions that reduce the impact of climate change on communities. This could include building sea walls to keep out sea-level rise.