How can Singapore bridge the gap between climate change awareness and sustainable actions?

While many people in Singapore are aware of environmental issues, fewer adopt green practices. On Earth Day, CNA examines the reasons for that gap and whether it can be closed.

SINGAPORE: Madam Tan Siew Moi limits her family’s use of air-conditioning to less than an hour a day and constantly reminds her children to keep showers short.

But like most in her circle of friends, Mdm Tan drives a medium-sized Nissan car that uses petrol. While she is aware of the pollution caused by petrol cars, she does not intend to switch to an electric vehicle.

Like Mdm Tan, many Singapore residents are generally aware of climate change and more sustainable alternatives to their day-to-day goods.

National awareness campaigns and revamped policies, such as raising the carbon tax and Singapore’s Green Plan have brought the issue of climate change to the fore.

But in August last year, an inaugural Climate Index research found that while Singapore residents had a high awareness of environmental issues across the four lifestyle themes of transport, home, food, and goods, this was not reflected in terms of their adoption of green practices.