Experts say Singapore's 2035 climate targets are feasible with key support

[SINGAPORE] As Singapore continues to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, the nation’s ambitious climate goals for 2035 are coming into sharper focus. Experts agree that while these targets are indeed feasible, the path to success will require strong government backing and a stable geopolitical environment. With climate change being one of the defining challenges of our era, Singapore's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a more sustainable future is critical not just for its own well-being, but for global environmental health.

Singapore’s Climate Commitment: A Bold Vision

Singapore’s climate targets for 2035 revolve around achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and scaling up green technologies. The country aims to become a leader in urban sustainability, aligning itself with global climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement. One of the core goals is to reach a peak in emissions by 2030, with the goal of reducing emissions further by 2050.

However, these targets require major transformations across multiple sectors, including energy, transportation, and construction. Key measures include expanding solar energy use, enhancing public transportation, and boosting green building initiatives. Singapore’s commitment to “green growth” is becoming increasingly apparent, but its long-term success hinges on factors far beyond technology and infrastructure alone.

Government Support: The Cornerstone of Success

According to experts, the primary factor that will determine whether Singapore meets its 2035 climate goals is government support. Dr. Leong Wai Ho, an economist at a leading research institute, emphasized that the government’s role in providing incentives, crafting favorable policies, and enabling public-private collaborations is indispensable.

"The government’s continued leadership in promoting green initiatives, implementing carbon pricing, and supporting clean energy projects will be crucial for realizing the 2035 targets. It's not just about setting ambitious goals, but creating the conditions necessary for businesses and individuals to invest in sustainability," said Dr. Leong.

Singapore has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of carbon taxes and various green finance schemes. The introduction of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 further highlights the government’s role in driving national efforts toward achieving these climate objectives. According to experts, the success of these policies will depend on both their scalability and the political will to enforce them.

Moreover, Singapore’s government has been proactive in fostering innovation through its research and development programs. Public-private partnerships in the fields of clean technology and energy efficiency are essential for enabling industries to adopt green solutions at scale.

Geopolitical Stability: A Critical Factor

While domestic policy is vital for Singapore’s climate strategy, geopolitical stability is also a key determinant in achieving the nation's climate targets. Given the interconnectedness of the global economy and supply chains, experts argue that Singapore’s climate action plan could be affected by geopolitical tensions or economic instability in the region.

In the words of Professor Richard T. Williams, a political economist specializing in Southeast Asia, "Singapore’s climate goals are not only domestic issues—they are inherently tied to the broader geopolitical landscape. Trade relations, access to green technologies, and the stability of supply chains are all factors that can influence the nation's progress."

Singapore’s small size and open economy make it particularly vulnerable to shifts in the global geopolitical environment. International cooperation will be essential for the country to secure the resources needed to meet its climate goals. Experts suggest that Singapore must continue to engage in international climate dialogues and form strategic alliances with other nations to safeguard its climate ambitions.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

Technology and innovation are central to Singapore’s climate strategy, particularly in the areas of clean energy and urban sustainability. The government has made substantial investments in solar energy, green building technologies, and sustainable infrastructure. In fact, Singapore aims to deploy 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar energy by 2030, significantly increasing the country’s reliance on renewable energy sources.

Professor Tan Wei Wen, an expert in sustainable technologies, believes that technological innovation will be a game-changer for Singapore. “With the right technological advancements, Singapore has the potential to overcome some of the challenges it faces in implementing its climate targets. Whether it’s advancements in energy storage or breakthroughs in carbon capture technologies, these innovations will enable the country to meet its goals more efficiently,” said Professor Tan.

Moreover, Singapore’s strong research capabilities and global collaborations in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) present significant opportunities to optimize energy consumption, enhance waste management, and improve urban planning. These technologies can also help Singapore monitor its progress toward meeting its 2035 climate targets in real-time, allowing for quicker course corrections when necessary.

Challenges Ahead: Navigating Economic and Social Shifts

Despite the promising outlook, Singapore’s path to meeting its climate targets will not be without challenges. Experts highlight the potential social and economic implications of climate policies. A major concern is the need to transition workers in traditional sectors such as oil and gas into green jobs. This shift could lead to job displacement, especially for lower-skilled workers.

To mitigate this, experts stress the importance of retraining programs and policies that ensure workers have the skills needed to thrive in a green economy. Dr. Melissa Tan, a labor economist, explained, “A just transition is necessary to ensure that no one is left behind in the shift to a greener economy. This includes investing in education and training programs that equip workers with the skills to succeed in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.”

Additionally, the cost of green infrastructure and technologies may pose a challenge for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To address this, experts suggest that the government provide further subsidies or financial incentives to encourage businesses to adopt green practices.

The Role of International Collaboration

As a global hub for trade and finance, Singapore’s climate strategy cannot be seen in isolation. The country’s commitment to sustainability is closely tied to its relationships with other nations and international organizations. Collaboration with other ASEAN countries, as well as engagement in global climate negotiations, will be key to ensuring that Singapore’s climate goals are met.

"Singapore is a small but influential player in global climate governance. Its role in shaping regional climate policies, especially through the ASEAN framework, will be instrumental in ensuring collective action in the region," said Dr. Lee Yian, an expert in international climate law.

By sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, Singapore can amplify its efforts and help drive broader regional progress toward climate resilience. Additionally, international partnerships can facilitate access to green technologies and innovative solutions that might otherwise be out of reach.

Singapore’s 2035 climate targets are ambitious but achievable with the right combination of government support, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Experts believe that the country has the potential to be a leader in sustainable development, provided that the government continues to create an enabling environment for businesses, workers, and individuals to embrace green practices.

Geopolitical stability, both in the region and globally, will also play a crucial role in ensuring that Singapore remains on track to meet its climate goals. As Dr. Leong Wai Ho aptly put it, "The world is facing unprecedented challenges, but with the right policies, technologies, and partnerships, Singapore can emerge as a model for other nations to follow."

In the coming years, it will be essential for both public and private sectors to work in tandem, aligning their efforts to achieve the common goal of a sustainable and climate-resilient future. With strong government leadership, the right technology investments, and international collaboration, Singapore’s 2035 climate targets are indeed within reach.