Singapore Accelerates Net-Zero Efforts with New Emissions Targets

Singapore has reinforced its commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, announcing plans to cut emissions by 17% to 25% between 2030 and 2035. The updated target, submitted to the United Nations, refines the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and strengthens its roadmap to achieving net zero.

A sight of Singapore beyond the trees. AI generated picture.

The revised strategy sets a new emissions ceiling of 45 to 50 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) by 2035, down from the previously set limit of 60 million tCO₂e in 2030. This adjustment follows the country’s long-term net-zero pledge for 2050, first unveiled in 2022.

Singapore’s approach to decarbonisation is shaped by its limited space for renewable energy production and dependence on energy imports. Given these constraints, authorities stress that the country’s ability to cut emissions hinges on technological innovations and global partnerships.

To drive emissions reductions, the government is intensifying its carbon pricing policy. The existing SGD 25 ($19.19) per tCO₂e tax will rise to SGD 45/tCO₂e by 2026/2027, with a projected increase to SGD 50–80/tCO₂e by 2030. The government is also prioritising collaborations with the private sector to accelerate the transition to a greener economy.

‘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,’ stated the National Climate Change Secretariat.

Despite these strengthened targets, some environmental organisations remain skeptical. Climate Action Tracker, an independent NGO, has previously classified Singapore’s climate trajectory as "highly insufficient," noting that while the country has made progress in policy implementation, its emissions have continued to rise. Additionally, Singapore’s 2030 target still exceeds modelled pathways that align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

As Singapore refines its decarbonisation policies, the next decade will determine whether technological advancements and policy execution can effectively align to meet its long-term climate commitments.