SINGAPORE – With the UN climate summit COP30 just around the corner on November 10 in Brazil, only about a third of countries have submitted their plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. This comes at a critical time, as scientists recently warned that record temperatures have led to major declines in ecosystems, particularly affecting coral reefs.
Under the Paris Agreement, nearly 200 countries committed to submitting their national targets for 2035 by February. While Singapore met this deadline, as of October 24, only 63 out of 196 countries have done the same. This delay is concerning given the dire climate situation scientists are highlighting.
The Paris Agreement, established in 2015, aims to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Countries are expected to set progressively ambitious targets, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), every five years. However, less than 20 countries, including Singapore, met the original deadline. Recently, some nations like Chile and Tonga have updated their targets, but many important contributors, including members of the European Union and India, have not yet submitted theirs.
Analysts attribute these delays to current political and economic challenges. Dr. David Broadstock from The Lantau Group noted that recent shifts in U.S. policy have affected global climate commitments. The U.S. was quick to submit its targets under the previous administration, but shifts in leadership could mean the country withdraws from the Paris Agreement in 2026.
Public sentiment echoes this concern, with many expressing frustration over the slow progress in tackling climate change. Social media platforms reveal a growing trend of activists and environmentalists calling for urgent action, pushing countries to honor their commitments.
Dr. Broadstock emphasized that economic pressures are taking precedence, forcing countries to prioritize trade and economic stability over climate commitments. He mentioned, “It’s clear that while climate issues are critical, economic operations can’t be ignored.”
Melissa Low, a climate observer, pointed out that many countries frequently miss deadlines for setting their targets, a pattern seen since the Paris Agreement’s inception. This round of submissions is the third since the agreement was made.
Among submissions, some targets still don’t align with the recent global consensus to move away from fossil fuels. An August report from the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions found only 31% of the analyzed targets mention this critical transition. Low stressed the need for greater political will to stick to climate science and goals.
On a positive note, Singapore’s recent submission commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to between 45 million and 50 million tonnes by 2035. This represents a clear trajectory toward its longer-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Despite contributing just 0.11% of global emissions, Singapore is taking meaningful steps in climate action. Experts see its punctuality as a way to uphold its credibility on the international stage.
The country’s current target of reducing emissions aligns more ambitiously than previous commitments and reflects a clear path towards net-zero goals. As the world prepares for COP30, countries will negotiate vital strategies to close the gaps in climate action.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these national plans will be vital, influencing not just local policies but also global cooperation to tackle climate change as a united front.
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