Tackling climate change: Radical leadership needed to transform Singapore into energy-efficient society

I refer to the commentary, “When both the rich and poor feel the heat from climate change” (Jan 15), where the author is making the effort to align his research with a matter of public interest and public policy.

However much one accepts, and I do, the evidence for man-made climate change, it is also important to accept that it is functionally irrelevant what Singapore domestic public policy determines.

YOUR SAY: Tell us what you think

This is due to our micro population and geography.

This is unless we are prepared to be radical and use regulatory, educational and policy tools to aggressively remake Singapore into an energy-efficient, fossil fuel-lite, and recycle-based economy and society.

Then we may claim to be a role model for the Association of South-east Asian Nations, if not the world.

Taking this course would give Singapore the moral authority to advocate with greater impact for climate-change policies at international fora.

But we could also inspire and catalyse domestic policy change in other countries independent of international frameworks.

For such a radical remake to happen, the leadership and vision must come from politicians even if the evidence and ideas come from academics.

Short of that, the commentary is just academic (if you will forgive the pun).