Singapore is considering setting a new deadline for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050, revamping its previous target of achieving net-zero emissions by or around mid-century, as reported by Strait Times on September 6. Singapore’s National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) revealed that the country is also deciding whether to raise its 2030 climate target to prepare for the longer-term goal. The NCCS is soliciting public opinions from September 5 to September 26 regarding the new deadlines. The public consultation period ends two months before the COP27 global climate summit to be held on November 6, in which leaders from almost 200 nations are expected to submit more ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets to the United Nations ahead of the conference.

Singapore’s tentative 2050 net-zero emissions target aligns with the corresponding deadlines set by other developed economies like the European Union, the US, Canada, and Japan. According to the NCCS, Singapore could leverage the global trends in sustainable financing and enterprise net-zero targets to develop into a hub for green economic activities in industry, services, and finance. So far this year, Singapore has taken a range of measures to tackle climate change, including lifting its carbon tax rate in phases through 2030, promoting the electrification of Singapore’s vehicles, and improving the energy efficiency of its buildings and factories.

Sources:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-aiming-to-have-emissions-reach-net-zero-by-2050-public-feedback-sought

https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2367974-singapore-mulls-advancing-net-zero-target-to-2050?backToResults=true

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/eu-urge-big-polluters-toughen-climate-pledges-by-cop27-summit-draft-2022-08-25/