16.1 Statistics
- Singapore contributes to 0.11% of global emissions75
- Based on data generated by International Energy Agency, Singapore ranks 123rd of 142 countries in terms of CO2 emissions per dollar GDP76
- Singapore ranks 26th out of 142 countries in terms of emissions per capita77
- Projecting from 2005, our business-as-usual (BAU) emissions are expected to reach 77.2 million tonnes (MT) in 2020. 60.3% of these emissions are generated by industry, 14.5% from transport, 13.8% from buildings, 7.6% from households and 3.9% from others such as waste, water other electricity use.78
16.2 The Challenge
“The global climate is changing. Average global temperature and sea levels are expected to rise if carbon emissions from human activities continue to grow unchecked, and extreme weather events are likely to become more intense and frequent.
What does this mean for Singapore? Extreme weather events can lead to changes in rainfall patterns, resulting in more intense rainfall or drier periods. Flood and water management will be of even greater importance for Singapore. In addition, more frequent extreme weather events may lead to volatile global food prices and disruptions to business supply chains. This will affect business activities in Singapore and our food imports.” ~ Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister
Read more: NCCS – Impact of Climate Change on Singapore
16.3 The Opportunity
“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings” ~ Nelson Mandela
Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing our generation – but it is possible. Globally, more than 800 million people are living on less than US$1.90 (S$2.60) a day. They are unable to meet basic needs, many lacking access to adequate, nutritious food, clean drinking water and sanitation.
“While rapid economic growth countries such as China and India has lifted millions out of poverty, the progress is uneven. Women are disproportionately more likely to live in poverty than men due to unequal access to paid work, education and property. Progress has also been limited in other regions, such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which account for 80 percent of the global total of those living in extreme poverty. This rate is expected to rise due to new threats brought on by climate change, conflict and food insecurity.”²
Resources
75Singapore’s Emissions Profile. (10 Feb, 2016). Retrieved from National Climate Change Secretariat: https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/singapores-emissions-profile
76Ibid
77Ibid
78Ibid