US Climate Summit: Singapore plans to use technology to improve carbon footprint
Singapore has vowed to halve its emissions and achieve its carbon targets through innovation and the use of technology.
CAPE TOWN, April 26 (ANA) – Singapore has vowed to halve its emissions and achieve its carbon targets through innovation and the use of technology.
Channel NewsAsia, a Singapore-based broadcaster, reported that Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, was one of 40 world leaders who attended the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate, hosted by the US President Joe Biden on Friday.
Lee said Singapore aims to quadruple solar energy production by 2025, with the opening of one of the world’s largest floating solar systems at Tengeh Reservoir to be a step in the right direction.
The floating solar farm is reportedly set to save carbon emissions equivalent to removing 7,000 cars from the roads.
According to the Straits Times publication, the Monetary Authority of Singapore set up a US$2 billion green investments programme in 2019 in its bid to promote environmentally sustainable projects.
“This (green investments programme) will support the development of carbon trading and services, sustainability consultancies and environmental risk management,” said Lee.
“One promising area is emissions verification, including using new technology to measure the carbon footprints and monitor the commitments of businesses,” he said.
Lee said they were open to sharing their experience gained from the programme and outlined the Singapore Green Plan 2030 that was launched in February as their roadmap to sustainable development.
The plan, which was released by five ministries, moves across various sectors ranging from research and innovation, infrastructural development to training programmes to get the entire nation on board in its transition to a greener future.
“The comprehensive plan will strengthen Singapore’s economic, climate and resource resilience, improve the living environment of Singaporeans, and bring new business and job opportunities,” read the statement released by the ministries earlier this year.
“It will influence all aspects of our lives, from how we live to how we work and play, as we work together as a nation to make Singapore a greener and more liveable home,” it said.
– African News Agency (ANA); Edited by Naomi Mackay
