Green recovery is key to reviving virus-hit economies

ACHIEVING our climate ambitions is more imperative now than ever. The coronavirus outbreak has had devastating impacts on our lives and livelihoods, and amid its horrors and tragedies, the pandemic yet again reminds us the impact humanity has on the environment.

As much as we are focused on confronting the economic and health emergencies, we must not lose sight of the historic opportunity to rethink the foundations of our economic systems in a way where we can rebuild a world capable of turning climate change on its head. Pandemics have a history of catalysing change. We are already seeing that emerging in our approach to healthcare, productivity, and governance - why not for sustainability?

In Asia, Singapore is already focused on its path towards a low-carbon future, setting a shining example for the region. Besides being the first country in Southeast Asia to introduce a carbon tax, Singapore has also made significant investments into research and development for solutions to decarbonise its grid, industries, and even buildings.