Going beyond zero carbon to reverse global warming

IN pronouncing 2018 the Year of Climate Action, the Singapore government could not be sending a clearer or more timely signal. As a fast-paced, resource-intensive society, Singapore's greenhouse gas emissions per capita far outstrip the average country's - we rank 26th out of 142 nations. Though small, we pack a punch contributing to what has come to be known as the greatest challenge to our species. If we are to solve the climate problem, we would have to act together - and quickly.

Indeed, we have seen action bubbling up, here and in the region. Earlier this year, the Singapore government announced an impending carbon tax on facilities that surpass 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in a year. Civil society groups have also risen to the challenge - the Singapore Youth for Climate Action, for example, have been coordinating community workshops over the past two-and-a-half years.

But there is one wild card, and that is industry. Businesses can both radically scale up positive change and cause significant environmental impact. The manufacturing sector alone, which contributes to 20-25 per cent of Singapore's economy, is expected to account for a whopping 60 per cent of Singapore's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.