The Singapore Green Plan 2030 was released on February 11, stating the government’s plan for climate action by 2030. We took the word of policymakers that they would listen to people’s voices. We have participated in consultations and have followed recent constructive debates on climate action in parliament.
Unfortunately, this Green Plan seems to be a compilation of already announced efforts rather than a new plan for significant, bold targets and actions that were raised by MPs during recent parliamentary debates. These existing efforts are, unfortunately, insufficient to deal with the “global emergency” of climate change.
What is new?
A review of the targets mentioned show that just 3 targets were previously unannounced:
the decarbonization of schools
the doubling of EV charging points
the Enterprise Sustainability Programme
Every other target mentioned had already been discussed and announced to the public over the past decade.
What is missing?
There is no change in overall emission targets. Our existing emissions target is not in line with the IPCC recommendation to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with no concrete deadline of when Singapore will achieve this.
There are no plans for rapid decarbonization and divestment from fossil fuel, let alone associated plans for a just transition for workers.
There are no plans for a bolder carbon tax, which many MPs have called for in parliament, alongside plans for wealth redistribution and funding decarbonisation.
and more (check out the Greenwatch Policy Brief)
What is next? What do we wish to see?
It was stated that the Green Plan is a living document, and that more specific measures and policies will be announced during the Budget on 16 February. We hope these specific measures and policies will signify a bold effort towards a just transition to a zero-emission society.
Therefore, we hope that the Green Plan will align with our Calls to-Action for intersectional climate justice:
Power to the People: Embrace democratic action in tackling climate change
Launch a Green Recovery: Divest from petrochemical industries and reach net-zero emissions by 2050
Redefine Pragmatism and Growth: Restructure our economy to address widening inequality in the climate crisis.
What you can do
Check out our full review of the Green Plan, which includes whether it is new or substantial and an overall evaluation, and use it as a resource to follow the budget debates.
Refer to our previous Greenwatch Policy Brief and Scorecard.
Also check out what groups like A Good Space are doing to create conversations around how the budget can address the needs of low-income communities.
Follow the budget debates LIVE on MCI’s YouTube Page on 16th February (gather some friends and host a watch party!)
Follow the discussion on social media and use the hashtag #greenerbudget.
Participate in budget feedback sessions hosted by your MPs and ministries.
In the meantime, SGCR will continue to track any changes to climate policy from budget discussions and we’ll keep you updated!