Singapore emitted more greenhouse gases in 2021, post-Covid: climate-change body

SINGAPORE’S greenhouse gas emissions went up by 9.3 per cent to 57.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2021, up from the 52.8 million tonnes the year before, and the 55.4 million tonnes in 2019.

The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) said on Friday (Oct 27) that the increase in emissions was reflected across most sectors, led by the resumption of economic activity after the early days of Covid-19.

Industry emissions contributed the most in primary emissions at 44.4 per cent.

These emissions also played a significant part in producing secondary emissions, at 16.6 per cent.

The power sector, at 39.2 per cent, ranked second in terms of primary emission, followed by transport at 14.2 per cent, and buildings at 0.9 per cent.

Data on Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions is published annually on the NCCS’ website.

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In October 2022, Singapore raised its national climate target to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

In line with the long-term low-emission strategy, the country has also updated the 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030 after peaking the emissions earlier.

“While some of Singapore’s key decarbonisation measures are contingent on international cooperation, the Republic will continue to work towards meeting its 2030 NDC target,” NCCS pointed out.