UPDATED Apr 21, 2025
Image source: Monica Todica via Canva
Earth Day is a special reminder that our planet is our home, and it needs our care. As we mark Earth Day 2025, we celebrate efforts from around the world to fight climate change and protect our environment.
In recent decades, climate change has emerged as one of the most critical challenges of our time. Around the world, people are stepping up to protect our planet, working toward a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and unpredictable weather patterns are urgent reminders for action, but they also remind us the power of human resilience and ingenuity.
Communities, scientists, and policymakers alike recognise that change is not only necessary but also within our reach. Human activities such as industrial production, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels have contributed to global warming, but we also have the power to reverse these trends. By shifting towards cleaner energy, embracing sustainable practices, and protecting natural ecosystems, we can create a world where both people and nature thrive.
The momentum for change is growing. Governments and organisations worldwide are making bold commitments to climate action, acknowledging that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility. The rise of renewable energy, reforestation projects, and eco-friendly innovations are paving the way for a more sustainable future, proving that progress is not only possible—it is already happening.
International Policies on Climate Change
The world is coming together to fight climate change through landmark agreements such as the Paris Agreement. This historic accord unites nations in the shared goal of limiting global temperature rise to within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels, signaling a collective determination to safeguard our planet for future generations.
Global initiatives have catalysed significant investments in renewable energy and green technology. At Azerbaijan’s COP29, world leaders made a groundbreaking commitment, tripling funding for developing nations to USD $300 billion annually. By 2035, this investment is set to reach an impressive USD $1.3 trillion, empowering countries to transition toward sustainable energy and implement climate adaptation measures. This level of international support fosters an environment where no nation is left behind on the journey toward sustainability.
Beyond climate-specific agreements, initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap for global cooperation. SDG 17 emphasises the power of partnerships, demonstrating that by sharing resources, knowledge, and technology, we can accelerate climate solutions and ensure economic progress aligns with environmental responsibility.
The fight against climate change is an opportunity to build a better, cleaner, and more equitable world. Every action, from large-scale policy changes to individual lifestyle choices, contributes to the movement toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can work together to create lasting positive change for our planet and generations to come.
What about Singapore?
Singapore, a small yet forward-thinking city, has taken bold steps in the fight against climate change. Recognising that a sustainable future is critical for its survival, the Government has introduced innovative policies and initiatives designed to reduce carbon emissions and bolster environmental resilience, such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
The Green Plan 2030 envisions a greener and more sustainable Singapore, with a focus on creating livable urban spaces and minimising the environmental impact of rapid development. By investing in green infrastructure, decarbonising public transportation, and increasing green spaces, the plan seeks to transform urban living and foster a cleaner environment for all citizens. This strategy addresses immediate environmental concerns and lays the foundation for Singapore’s long-term sustainability.
In addition to infrastructural improvements, Singapore’s approach to climate change emphasises innovation and community participation. The Government is investing in research and development of clean technologies and sustainable practices that can serve as models for other cities around the world, such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) methodologies. By encouraging both public and private sectors to collaborate on environmental solutions, Singapore is demonstrating that proactive policies can make a significant difference in the fight against climate change.
The Path Ahead
Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is critical in safeguarding the environment for our future generations. Our current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption must be abated as we transition to cleaner and more sustainable means to power our lives.
As we look to the future, low carbon alternatives to electricity and energy will determine the progress of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and the state of climate change. Nuclear power and fuels such as hydrogen are quickly becoming viable substitutes for our fossil fuels.
At the heart of this energy transition is renewable energy, which offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower produce little to no harmful emissions, playing a critical role in reducing the overall carbon footprint. This is a fundamental change in the way we power our lives and how we will secure a green environment for our future generations. It is through these sustainable energy solutions that we can mitigate the effects of climate change and protect our precious Earth for many years to come.
