BELEM, Brazil - As climate change continues to outpace the world’s collective response to the crisis, Singapore will be stepping up efforts to adapt to its impacts by developing the nation’s inaugural national adaptation plan over the next five years, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on Nov 17. 

Such a plan will serve as the nation’s long-term roadmap, outlining actions that the nation can take to enhance its resilience against climate impacts.

In her delivery of Singapore’s national statement at UN climate talks COP30 in the Brazilian city of Belem, Ms Fu pointed to how the country is taking steps to protect its coastlines from rising sea-levels and its people against heat stress.

Singapore will also continue to advance efforts to cut emissions, she added. Ms Fu cited various ways that the Republic is doing so, from sourcing for lower-carbon energy sources to be used domestically, to inking partnerships on carbon markets.

At COP30, ministers from almost 200 nations have convened to kickstart the second week of the negotiations, which are expected to become more politically charged. 

A

main

issue at this year’s summit is adaptation

– or how countries can build the resilience of their people against escalating climate impact. A key point of contention is how developing countries will get the funds they need to do so.&nb...