Public to set carbon emissions target under Green Plan: MSE

The journey towards sustainability is a whole-of-nation effort.

Individuals will play a larger part in “determining the collective outcome” with regards to Singapore’s journey towards sustainability, according to Minister Grace Fu of the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment (MSE).

The public sector will set a carbon emissions target as part of the city-state’s Green Plan 2030.

“If every household in Singapore raises the aircon temperature by one degree, we will cut carbon emissions by 23 kilo-tonnes, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 7,000 cars,” Fu said in a speech on 4 March.

Since the locals’ consumption patterns drive industry activity, avoidance of disposables, preference to buy locally produced food as well as energy-efficient appliances will influence the emergence of greener and more sustainable business models.

“Getting to that future will be a whole-of-nation effort, requiring every government agency, individual, business, research institution, community group and civil society organisation to work in unison,” Fu said.

Further, the Green Plan will “fundamentally change” how Singaporeans live, work, and play through its sustainability-focused objectives.

The local government will establish the broad policy direction, whilst the public will pioneer the change.