SINGAPORE - A new climate report reveals that carbon emissions from Singapore's land use sector are projected to surge significantly between now and 2030, raising serious concerns about potential deforestation in the nation.

While Singapore's emissions from this sector are relatively modest—contributing only 0.06 percent to the country’s total emissions in 2022, predominantly sourced from the energy sector—the forecasts indicate a troubling trend. The report submitted to the United Nations reveals that emissions from land-use changes are set to more than double, from 0.04 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eq) in 2022 to 0.14 MtCO2eq by 2030.

Despite ongoing initiatives, including the ambitious OneMillionTrees campaign launched in April 2020, which has successfully planted over 730,000 trees to date, experts warn that afforestation efforts cannot replace the carbon losses resulting from forest clearance in the short term.

Historically, between 2000 and the early 2010s, Singapore’s land-use sector functioned as a net carbon sink, absorbing more emissions than it released. Yet, this changed in 2014 when emissions began to rise, primarily due to development needs that have prompted the clearing of natural habitats for urban purposes, such as housing projects.

Experts, including Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying from the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, emphasize that secondary forests—which are regrowths on previously cleared land—typically serve as significant carbon sinks. However, the ongoing trend of replacing these areas with urban developments, like the recent housing projects in Sembawang and Woodlands, is critical. The Sembawang project alone will clear a substantial 53 hectares of forest, highlighting the urgent need for a balance between development and environmental preservation.

Despite Singapore’s commendable greening efforts, including creating a 'City in Nature,' experts caution that these initiatives do not automatically translate into lowered carbon emissions. Native trees planted in urban settings tend to grow slower and might actually contribute to emissions temporarily due to resource use in their cultivation and planting processes.

Nevertheless, these urban greening strategies offer numerous benefits that extend beyond mere carbon absorption. Experts including Mr. Muhammad Nasry Abdul Nasir from Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity stress the importance of recognizing the diverse roles ecosystems play—such as aiding in urban cooling, managing water resources, sustaining wildlife, and enhancing community well-being.

Restoration projects, such as rehabilitating mangrove forests along coastlines, are critical not just for carbon management but also for mitigating flooding risks associated with rising sea levels.

As Singapore continues to navigate its urban development and environmental sustainability, the challenge remains clear: the city must find innovative solutions to balance growth with ecological integrity to safeguard its future amidst increasing carbon emissions.

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