Climate tech startups in Singapore are having a big impact on the nation-state, pushing green practices to protect the environment and reduce harm to communities. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the country is in the top five places for adopting new technologies. Accepting the latest tools is beneficial for green tech to develop further and deliver results to the area.
According to Statista Research, climate change poses many threats to Singapore. The United Nations (UN) defines it as a long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns. One of its main drivers is human activities leading to carbon emissions. These harmful gases heat the planet, which, in turn, affects other sectors.
Due to its limited land space, the island nation constantly faces food insecurity problems. Thus, it cannot afford to operate cavalierly. The nation-state imports 90% of its food, which makes it vulnerable to global tensions, regional conflicts, supply chain disruptions, disease outbreaks, and more.
Impact of climate change on Singapore
Southeast Asia is at significant risk of the effects of climate change observed in many other countries. Singapore's annual mean temperature increased from 26.9°C to 28.0°C from 1980 to 2020. Singapore's third National Climate Change study has updated that the mean sea level around Singapore is projected to rise by 1.15m by the end of the century.
Rain patterns have also become violent, with the first recorded cyclone occurring in 2001. Typhoon Vamei, the first recorded cyclone near the equator, destroyed many homes and caused flooding in other areas. While Singapore merely experienced heavy rainfall and high wind speeds, its rare and unusual formation has raised awareness that Singapore may not be completely immune to such natural disasters. With climate change patterns becoming more extreme, there is a growing risk of Singapore's economy becoming adversely affected. Furthermore, Singapore's public health is at risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue, which occurs during warmer periods of the year.
These issues create a hostile environment for food production, environmental sustenance and safety, and biodiversity protection. Hot weather can also cause health challenges, as people can pass out from heat strokes. According to Xinhua News, the nation-state recorded the fourth warmest year on record in 2023, and 2024 will surpass that figure due to El Niño.
Environmental challenges faced by Singapore
Other environmental concerns in Singapore are air quality issues due to factory emissions, rising sea levels affecting the soil, and plastic pollution from local and foreign dumpsites. The nation has limited renewable resources, and a growing population pressures resources and the small land space. They must import most goods, making the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Climate startups want to resolve these environmental challenges by improving waste disposal, effectively using limited land, planting trees, preventing soil erosion, and stopping the use of chemicals in the soil and water. They are also encouraging a shift toward electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and special fuels to reduce emissions on aeroplane flights.
Examples of climate tech startups in the nation-state making a difference include:
- Zuno Carbon—Offers end-to-end carbon management tools.
- Wavemaker Impact—Builds sustainability-focused businesses.
- FlyORO—Makes sustainable aviation fuel, helping to reduce aeroplane emissions.
- SunGreenH2—Specialises in producing high-performance electrolyser solutions for green hydrogen production.
- Ureca—Offsets carbon through its digital platform.
Emerging climate tech trends in Singapore
According to a 2021 Statista survey, 76% of Singaporeans were concerned that climate change would personally affect them. Adopting green practices will help deliver sustainable solutions to the country.
The investment firm Circulate Capital set up the USD 100 million Ocean Fund I-B to fight plastic waste pollution and climate change. The company received funding from the European Investment Bank, Pepsico, Procter & Gamble, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Unilever, the Coca-Cola Company and others.
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) collaborated with the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) to launch an article series titled "Accelerating Innovation: A Multistakeholder Ecosystem Approach to Tackling Climate Change." The goal was to show the government's commitment and strategies for dealing with the environmental crisis alongside private companies.
Leading Southeast Asia towards a greener future
As the green economy grows, it will bring jobs, upskilled workers, and the latest technologies like blockchain to the fore. There will be an increase in products made from sustainable raw materials and final goods that do not harm the environment or people's health. There are also hopes that consumers will be more deliberate about choosing sustainable products and packaging.
Regional countries must collaborate to deal with waste and environmental issues. Singapore's government is adopting green initiatives, setting regulations, democratising access to technology, and making it cost-friendly. The region's leaders can provide tax breaks for green investments and pave the way for tech startups to collect green credits.
Adopting the Green Plan 2030 policy will push Singapore toward sustainable development. It stresses the country's commitment to reaching net zero by 2050, planting more trees, reducing waste by 30% in landfills, carbon-neutral schools, clean-energy car models, and a boost for solar energy.
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