Singapore can help region emerge stronger, better, more sustainable

Its own capabilities can build and finance bankable projects to create value at home for the long term; it can also shift the region to sustainability and resilience post-pandemic.

Published Thu, Oct 15, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Climate change

ONE positive development emerging from the current pandemic is the aim not only to recover but to emerge stronger and better. To many, moreover, "better" also means to be more sustainable. Pre-pandemic concerns about climate change and goals for sustainable development are receiving new emphasis.

The European Union aims for a green recovery, accelerating its timetable to become climate-neutral, with billions of euros dedicated to finance those ambitions. China last month announced its target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, a profound shift for the world's current largest carbon-emitter.

Singapore has sharpened its long-standing commitment to the environment too. In a broad-ranging parliamentary address on Oct 5, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat emphasised sustainability as part of this city-state's emerging economic strategy, prioritising inclusive growth and innovation alongside resilience and environmental concerns.