Singapore has strengthened its emissions reduction targets, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 17% to 25% between 2030 and 2035. This update, submitted to the United Nations on 10 February, refines the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as part of its broader net-zero transition.
A view of Singapore through trees. AI generated picture.
Under the revised plan, Singapore aims to lower emissions to between 45 and 50 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) by 2035, a notable reduction from the 60 million tCO₂e cap set for 2030. The updated pathway maintains a linear trajectory towards the city-state’s net-zero goal by 2050, first announced in 2022.
However, Singaporean authorities emphasised that the pace of decarbonisation will depend heavily on technological advancements and international cooperation, given the country’s unique constraints. As a compact island nation with limited space for renewable energy projects, Singapore relies on external energy imports and cutting-edge mitigation strategies to achieve its climate commitments.
To incentivise reductions, the government has reinforced its carbon pricing policy. The carbon tax, currently set at $19.19 (SGD 25) per tCO₂e for 2024/2025, will rise to SGD 45/tCO₂e in 2026/2027, with a target range of SGD 50–80/tCO₂e by 2030. Officials have also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating the transition and ensuring Singapore remains competitive in the green economy.
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‘Together, we can make good progress towards our net zero target, capture emerging opportunities in the green economy, create new good jobs, and build a more resilient future for generations of Singaporeans to come’, the National Climate Change Secretariat stated.
While the updated targets signal stronger climate ambition, some environmental groups remain cautious. Climate Action Tracker, an independent NGO, previously rated Singapore’s emissions trajectory as ‘highly insufficient’, pointing out that despite sectoral reforms and policy advancements, emissions have continued to rise. The organisation also noted that Singapore’s 2030 targets remain significantly higher than pathways aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit.
As Singapore refines its decarbonisation strategy, the coming years will be critical in determining whether technological breakthroughs and policy frameworks can align to meet its long-term climate commitments.
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Decarbonisation isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about building a resilient future where businesses, ecosystems, and communities thrive together. Singapore’s push for lower emissions underscores the growing global demand for nature-based solutions and high-quality carbon projects. By partnering with DGB Group, you can take an active role in this transition, address your carbon footprint, and invest in large-scale restoration efforts that drive real impact. Ready to be part of the solution? Let’s build a more sustainable tomorrow—together.
