58th Singapore National Day Sustainability and the Singapore Green Plan 2023

CLIMATE change is an existential threat for all of us, but especially for maritime nations like the Philippines and Singapore.

As a small, low-lying island state, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like sea level rise. Although Singapore accounts for only about 0.1 percent of global emissions, the country has consistently pursued sustainable development to balance economic development with environmental protection and social inclusion.

Singapore Green Plan 2030

IN 2021, the Singaporean government launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a sustainability roadmap that outlines the country’s collective actions to tackle climate change, and commits Singapore to ambitious and concrete sectoral targets over the next ten years. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to ensure Singapore remains a green and liveable home for many generations to come. The Green Plan covers all dimensions of life in its five pillars: City in Nature; Energy Reset; Green Economy; Resilient Future; and Sustainable Living.

Since launching the Green Plan, Singapore has made good progress in its sustainability journey. In October 2022, Singapore committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as part of the Long-Term Emissions Development Strategy, as well as the reducing emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030.

Leveraging technology to advance our Singapore Green Plan

SINGAPORE is interested in low-carbon technologies that will help the country achieve its net zero target. For instance, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore has been actively replacing carbon-based energy sources with solar photovoltaic systems deployed on its facilities rooftops and reservoirs. The government is also studying new technologies such as carbon capture, utilization and storage, as well as carbon removal solutions that can be integrated with its water treatment facilities.

PUB is working with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to capture carbon dioxide in seawater and produce hydrogen, and a stream of pre-treated seawater that can be desalinated at lower energy.

Under the Low-Carbon Energy Research Funding Initiative, the government has awarded S$55 million to projects aiming to improve the technoeconomic viability of low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Another S$129 million has been set aside for research funding for the next phase of the Initiative.

International cooperation

INTERNATIONAL collaboration and partnerships are critical for small countries such as Singapore, with limited decarbonization options. The country’s small land size and high population density means it is alternative energy disadvantaged.

Singapore works closely with other countries and plays an active role at various multilateral platforms such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Singapore National Day Message 2023

Singapore is also committed to supporting developing countries in their efforts to address climate change through technical assistance such as our flagship Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). Over the last three decades, close to 150,000 officials have participated in courses under the SCP, in areas such as education, sustainable development, urban planning, and transport management. With an abundance of natural resources and potential for renewable energy, the Philippines has emerged as a key partner for Singapore in its sustainability drive. The Singaporean government looks forward to working with the Philippines to find solutions to both countries’ common challenges.

BY AMBASSADOR IN MANILA CONSTANCE SEE PIXABAY

SINGAPORE celebrates 58 years of independence on August 9, 2023. am delighted to commemorate this special occasion here in the Philippines for the first time as the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Republic of the Philippines.

Since I assumed duties in June 2023, it has been an utmost privilege to experience the warm hospitality and friendship of the Philippine people. My family and I were welcomed with open arms and kind hearts, making us feel at home in this beautiful country. It is also truly heartwarming to witness the deep connections that many Filipinos have with Singapore through work, living or study experiences in the Lion City. These close people-to-people ties have formed the bedrock of our bilateral relationship.

The partnership between Singapore and the Philippines is deep and longstanding, with close cooperation across many domains. As founding members of ASEAN, we also share a similar outlook on key regional and global developments and work closely to promote regional peace and prosperity. In September last year, we welcomed President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. to Singapore for his State Visit. During the President’s visit, our two countries signed agreements that will further strengthen our robust trade and investment, labor and defence ties. Our bilateral relationship will reach yet another milestone in 2024 when we celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties. I am confident that we will continue to expand our collaboration including in emerging areas such as Fintech, digital economy, innovation and sustainability.

The articles published by BusinessMirror will provide some insight into the latest developments in Singapore and possible areas of bilateral cooperation.

On the joyous occasion of Singapore’s 58th National Day, please allow me to extend Singapore’s heartfelt appreciation to our close neighbours and friends, especially the Philippines, for your continuous support in our journey as a young nation. Thank you and Mabuhay!