How to press on with sustainability for resilience

Stepping up support for sustainability

In February 2025, Singapore pledged to further reduce its emissions to between 45 and 50MtCO2e by 2035. This builds on the country’s earlier announcement to reduce emissions to 60MtCO2e by 2030. 

The government has also demonstrated its unrelenting commitment to the fight against climate change through measures such as the S$5 billion top-up to the Future Energy Fund, the increase in the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund and the disbursement of Climate Vouchers to Singaporean households. 

The top-up for the Future Energy Fund supports critical infrastructure for the energy transition — such as undersea cables for low-carbon electricity and hydrogen terminals — and helps foster innovation and technological advancement. Businesses that align with this initiative can potentially enhance resilience and competitiveness.

The additional investment into the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund will help strengthen the country’s infrastructure to protect against the risks of rising sea levels and storm surges. This is critical for maintaining a stable long-term environment and a sustainable future for all.

No room for U-turns

“We stay the course not because it is easy but because it is necessary for Singapore, so that we can be resilient in a climate-impaired world and competitive in a carbon-constrained world,” Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action, Ravi Menon, said.

Indeed, amid global geopolitical and regulatory shifts, Singapore needs to remain steadfast in its position on sustainability. Businesses that proactively adapt to these winds of change while continuing to embed sustainability into their strategies will be better positioned to emerge stronger in the long run. With the continued existence of climate risks, there is no reason for climate action to stop.

This article was first published in The Business Times on 29 April 2025.

Summary

Policy shifts and regulatory developments may add to the uncertainty that companies face in their sustainability drive. But with investors remaining focused on climate risk management and sustainability, companies will need to adopt a strategic and pragmatic approach where sustainability is not just a compliance obligation but also seen as a driver of efficiency, risk management and profitability.  To address challenges in their sustainability journey, companies in Singapore can tap into a robust suite of initiatives, including the Enterprise Sustainability Programme and the Career Conversion Programme for Sustainability Professionals.