In our previous article, we dove deep into the perception of climate change worldwide. Thanks to the findings of EDF’s Obs’COP Analysis for the year 2023, we learned that :

• Climate change emerges as the main environmental priority, particularly in the West and Asia. But generally, economic concerns outweigh environmental issues.

• We do not all think the same : there’s a disparity between the level of concern people have and the way they prioritize climate change.

• There exists an inaction triangle: each side (government, companies, and citizens/consumers) put the blame on the other for not doing anything about the climate. This results in less actions taken for climate

This in-depth analysis provides valuable insights into emerging trends and persistent challenges in sustainability worldwide.

What is the Obs’COP Analysis?

Methodology and Overview

Being a topic that’s rapidly growing in popularity, representation in climate change opinion is important to highlight collective shortfalls we can work on — such as climate skepticism and citizen mobilization which is explored in the report.

The place of climate change in Singapore

Singapore stands out as a country where the credibility of the ecological transition has increased significantly. Despite being less vulnerable to climate change, Singaporeans recognize its anthropogenic nature and commend their government’s efforts to adapt. Despite being less vulnerable to climate change compared to its ASEAN neighbors, it does not mean they are immune, as they will face a disproportionate impact in terms of rising sea levels and heat stress. Singaporeans continue to recognize the anthropogenic nature of climate change and commend their government’s efforts in proactively tackling the issue.

Indeed, we can observe in the EDF’s Obs’COP analysis that compared to 2022, Singapore has significantly shifted its agenda by prioritizing the environment over the economy.

This can be seen in some key examples, all a part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030:

1. Rise in prices of airline tickets as the country mandates sustainable fuel for departing flights from Singapore from 2026

2. Green Computing Funding Initiative (GCFI) worth $30 million dollars to push for R&D in Green Computing, as part of decarbonization of the ICT sector.

3. *While Singapore has reversed the pause on the creation of data centers, it has made its criteria more restrictive and oriented towards sustainable policies and development.

As seen from above, Singapore is orienting its digital economy towards sustainable development, with a willingness to meet in the middle ground of sustainable economic development.

On the following graph, we can observe the positive increase of Singapore in the implementation of the ecological transition.

The perception of sustainability in Singapore

Singapore is often hailed as an optimistic player in the realm of ecological transition, with a belief that it will generate more employment opportunities than it eradicates.

In 2023, 32% of Singaporeans surveyed by the South-east Asia Climate Outlook 2023 Survey acknowledged the reality of climate change, considering it an anthropogenic phenomenon — a figure notably higher than that of many other nations. Furthermore, within Singapore Singaporean society, there exists a significant degree of relativism, with 47% of surveyees foreseeing consequences that are not entirely negative. Meaning, climate change could be an opportunity. This perspective might be intertwined with the considerable confidence placed in the government’s ability to address environmental challenges, as evidenced by the fact that 76% of Singaporeans have witnessed their government proactively adapting to climate change.

Another reason could be that Singapore, like the United Arab Emirates, are among the most resilient countries, which decreases their risk in climate change. This perspective could encourage people to think that Climate Change won’t change their lifestyle and their society. It is crucial here to recall that climate change is a worldwide phenomenon and although Singapore is more resilient, the country will still experience disastrous consequences. For instance, as a low-lying island nation, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. This phenomenon increases the risk of coastal flooding, erosion of shorelines, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.

However, while Singapore’s optimism and governmental actions are commendable, it’s important to recognize potential limitations and areas for improvement. Despite the positive outlook, there may still be sectors and marginalized communities disproportionately affected by ecological shifts, warranting targeted interventions. Additionally, continued vigilance and innovation are necessary to ensure that the transition to a sustainable future is inclusive, resilient, and adequately addresses the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the insights provided by EDF’s Obs’COP Analysis for the year 2023 shed light on Singapore’s evolving stance towards climate change. Singapore has made notable strides in recognizing the anthropogenic nature of climate change and prioritizing environmental concerns over economic interests. This shift is exemplified by the government’s proactive measures to adapt to climate change and the increasing credibility of the ecological transition within the nation.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while Singapore may be more resilient, it is not immune to the disastrous consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels or extreme temperature events. It’s essential to remain vigilant and address potential limitations and disparities in climate change impacts, particularly among vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities.

By recognizing the interconnectedness of global environmental issues and taking proactive steps towards mitigation and adaptation, Singapore can continue to be a leading example in the realm of ecological transition and sustainability.