Paris Agreement and what it holds for Singapore

On the evening of 12 December 2015, representatives of over 190 countries, almost every nation on this planet, gathered in the conference halls of Le Bourget, near Paris, and signed a treaty that promised to change the face of the earth. The Paris agreement, which came into force on 4 November 2016, is a legally binding international treaty aimed to combat climate change. Signed by 197 countries, it unifies the efforts of individual nations to limit the global temperature rise to 2 degrees celsius and lays guidelines to reduce the rise to 1.5 degrees celsius, a small difference marked by rising global poverty rates, sea level, and habitat loss. Working on the best available science of economic and social transformation, The Paris Agreement works on a 5-year cycle of accumulated action and requires the member nations to submit an NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) and LT-LEDS (Long term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies) by the end of the period.

Some key aspects of The Paris Agreement that ensure transparent reporting and strengthening of climate goals are -

1. Mitigation: It is requisite for all parties to submit NDCs that represent a greater progression and higher ambitions as compared to the last. While the developed countries will lead the process by taking steps for economy-wide reduction targets, the developing countries are encouraged to continue their mitigation efforts and move towards economy-wide reduction targets.

2. Adaptation: All parties need to formulate and implement national adaptation plans stating their needs, priorities, and actions so that the required support can be provided through international cooperation. Continuous efforts to be made to reduce vulnerability to climate change.

3. Global stocktake: Comprehensive assessment of the collective progress towards achieving the aim of the treaty every 5 years after 2023. Necessary changes to be made in the formulated plans and policies to ensure completion of the target.

Among the 197 nations that signed the Agreement, Singapore is one of the 20 best-performing countries in terms of emissions intensity (emissions per dollar GDP). However, it’s a fact that Singapore is a low-lying country and therefore, particularly vulnerable to climate change. It contributes 0.11% to the global carbon emissions and aims to reduce the number of greenhouse gases emitted by 36 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. Singapore was one of the 30 countries that ratified the agreement on 21 September 2016 in New York binding it to reach peak emissions by 2030.

The government is already preparing for the stabilization of emissions around 2030 and is already adopting a multi-pronged approach to reduce Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, including power generation and industries, buildings, transport, and households. This includes switching to natural gas as a cleaner fuel for power generation, introducing a carbon tax, adopting solar energy, and greening our transport system and buildings. Today, about 95 percent of electricity is generated from natural gas – the cleanest fossil fuel and policies have been implemented to cap vehicle growth and manage vehicular emissions. We are also pursuing sustainable production through a green economy where resources are used to their fullest.

Apart from the government, companies like Singtel, City developments, and Olam internationals have joined the UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign to reduce waste. Universities are focusing on identifying the pressing issues and coming up with sustainable solutions. While Singapore's high population density and small size limit its ability to produce alternative energy such as solar, wind, or nuclear, the maximum that it can do is contribute to global efforts to combat climate change to its full potential. Hopefully, we will continue to do our fair share to address climate change for Singapore has an important role to play in supporting regional energy transitions, both as a regional financial center, a global travel hub, and an innovative first-adopter with a known willingness to share its expertise and learning with its neighbors.