OUR VISION
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Conscious about carbon emissions
Singapore contributes around 0.1% of global emissions. We are nevertheless taking steps to reduce our carbon emissions.
With our strategic location along East-West trade routes, Singapore has always been a natural location for oil storage and refining facilities. As part of a worldwide business supply network that includes Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, South Asia and Australia, the refineries and petrochemical plants in our port contribute to creating synergies and business opportunities. While refineries and petrochemicals are a significant source of carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency will remain a key strategy to reduce emissions in this sector.
Aware of the environmental effects
Ultimately, carbon emissions threaten our livelihood, the livelihood of animals, the livelihood of humans, and ultimately, life as we know it. Our atmosphere is being warmed by carbon emissions which eventually result in melting of the polar ice caps, a rise in sea levels, loss of habitats for animals, extreme weather events, and so many more negative side effects that pose dangers to the planet, to human and animal life, and to our own future.
Understand how the effects come about
As organisms die, volcanoes erupt, fires blaze, fossil fuels are burned, and other processes release carbon back into the atmosphere.
When it comes to the ocean, carbon is continually exchanged between the surface waters and the atmosphere, or it is stored in the ocean depths for long periods of time.
Human activities contribute significantly to the carbon cycle by burning fossil fuels and developing land. Thus, carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is increasing rapidly; it is now greater than at any time in the last 800,000 years.
Take action by making sustainable choices
You can reduce your carbon footprint by making conscious and mindful decisions about your lifestyle. This would result in lower energy use, lower emissions and a better world for future generations.
1. At Home
Minimise your household carbon emissions by using energy, water and other resources carefully.
Adopt some green ways to reduce your household energy usage.
2. Transportation
Take public transport instead of driving. If your destination is nearby, walk or cycle.
If you have to drive, choose a car that emits less carbon. Look out for the mandatory Fuel Economy Labeling Scheme (FELS) labels. These will tell you more about the amount of carbon emitted and fuel efficiency performance of the car model. With the introduction of the Carbon Emissions Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) in January 2013, you will also get to enjoy a rebate when you buy a vehicle that emits less carbon.
3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
By choosing to use less, less will go to waste. When we do throw things away, we can make sure our waste gets reused by recycling materials such as paper, metal, plastic and glass.
Using recycled products can also help reduce carbon emissions, because it takes less energy to produce them.
Avoid using disposable utensils, cups and plastic bags whenever possible. Reduce waste by bringing your own utensils for meals and using your own reusable bag for grocery shopping. Also, consider whether you really need the packaging or wrapping when you buy things.
4. Purchase Carbon Credits
Carbon credits are completely voluntary. Individuals and businesses can purchase carbon credits to balance out their carbon footprint.
In a nutshell, carbon credits let you pay to reduce the carbon emissions, instead of making radical or impossible reductions of your own.
When you buy a credit, you fund projects that reduce carbon or greenhouse emissions. Examples of these projects include restoring forests, updating power plants and factories, or increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation.
