The greenhouse effect occurs when heat from the Earth’s surface is absorbed by greenhouse gases (GHGs). Greenhouse gases refers to carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

Greenhouse gases are naturally present in the air, and allow the Earth's atmosphere to be warm enough to support life. However, human activities such as burning of fossil fuels for energy and industrial production, and clearing of forests to raise livestock, increase the amount of GHGs in the atmosphere. These additional GHGs trap even more heat in the atmosphere, making the Earth warmer. Global warming leads to long-term climate change.

You can find out more about the effects of climate change on Singapore at the NEA’s website here. 

International efforts
Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global solution. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), countries around the world are working together to address the challenges associated with climate change. Singapore ratified the UNFCCC in 1997 and acceded to the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC in 2006.

On 12 December 2015, Parties to the UNFCCC adopted a landmark agreement on climate change in Paris. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the long-term global goal of keeping global warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and urges Parties to pursue efforts towards a more ambitious 1.5°C threshold. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which required only developed countries to take on emissions targets, the Paris Agreement will be applicable to all countries. The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016. Singapore signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and ratified it on 21 September 2016.

Singapore’s pledge
In 2009, Singapore pledged to reduce emissions by 16 per cent from business-as-usual (BAU) levels by 2020. In 2015, building on our earlier commitment, Singapore pledged to reduce Emissions Intensity (EI) – the amount of GHGs emitted per dollar GDP – by 36 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and to stabilise emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030.

Singapore has set ambitious targets under our 2030 pledge, and meeting them will require concerted efforts by the government, businesses, households and individuals. Singapore’s strategies to achieve our 2030 pledge are outlined in the document, Climate Action Plan: Take Action Today, For a Carbon-Efficient Singapore, which can be downloaded via the NCCS website here. The National Environment Agency (NEA) actively promotes energy efficiency in the industry, household, and public sectors through legislation, incentives, and public education.

Read more about Singapore’s 2030 pledge here.

Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change
Established in 2007, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC) ensures Singapore adopts a coordinated approach towards climate change. NEA actively supports the strategic outcomes of the various IMCCC working groups. More information on the IMCCC can be found here. 

Singapore works towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by using less carbon-intensive fuels and by improving energy efficiency.

We adopt a whole-of-government approach to improve the energy efficiency and to reduce the energy use of various sectors. The Energy Efficiency Programme Office (E2PO), a multi-agency committee led by NEA and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), was established to achieve these objectives.

NEA actively promotes energy efficiency in the industry, household, and public sectors through legislation, incentives, and public education.

You may find out more on energy efficiency programmes at the NEA’s website here.