Reader's Response Draft 1

In the article, “How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up?” (2019), Daubach explains the challenges Southeast Asia (SEA) faces in the demand for clean energy and methods SEA can adopt in the use of renewable energy. Factors like high diverse economy, population, and resource distribution contribute to SEA’s undemanding and inadequate ability to adapt to its developing economies in the transition of clean energy. Daubach states that the economies of the countries in SEA are inconsistent, contributing to an arduous transition of a “one-size-fits-all approach” to clean energy. Despite the challenges mentioned in the article, collaborations amongst “technology, business, and policymakers” can take the edge off power, industrial, and transportation costs, allowing SEA to make happen the use of green energy. In my opinion, Singapore is in dire need of having alternative renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy, to reduce its carbon footprint as Singapore is at risk of climate change.

Singapore imports the majority of its energy sources due to limited land area and natural resources which is why they are unable to reach out to most alternative energy approaches apart from solar energy. According to World Population Review (2021), Singapore ranks 3^rd worldwide as the most densely populated country with a population density of 8,109/km², a land area of 728 square metres, and a 5.68 million population. Such physically small-scaled land prevents Singapore from reaching out towards other renewable energy sources like ocean energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, wind energy, and nuclear energy. For a “Little Red Dot” with physical limitations and resources constraints, solar energy is the most promising, economical, and dependable source.

Solar energy is zero-emission as it utilizes the heat energy of sunlight that is converted to thermal/ electrical energy and is used for electricity, heating, and transportation. Energy Market Authority (2020) states that Singapore collects solar energy using solar cells and this process is also known as the solar photovoltaic system. Not only does solar energy contributes to a sustainable environment, but it also replaces the use of fossil fuels, which contribute immensely to climate change. Fossil fuels contain a large amount of carbon dioxide gases. When used as a source of energy, fossil fuels are burned and the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, causing the temperature on Earth to rise.

Singapore is a victim of climate change. The National Climate Change Secretariat (2021) projected that the mean temperature in Singapore is likely to increase roughly 1.4C to 4.6C by the year 2100. Effects of climate change will cause already humid Singapore to have a temperature rise, in turn, causing a reduction in rainfalls. This will affect Singapore’s water supply for rainwater harvesting in Singapore’s journey in renewable water. Another impact is the general health implication due to the environment becoming an ideal breeding platform for vector-borne diseases like dengue.

Singapore is actively participating in the combat against climate change. According to Tan (2019), in the first quarter of 2020, Singapore has hit its target, the deployment of 350 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar and is targeting a minimum of 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) deployment of solar by 2030. To meet the target, Singapore Government will maximize the deployment of solar panels on all surfaces possible such as rooftops, reservoirs, and vertical surfaces of buildings.

In conclusion, it is crucial for Singapore to reduce carbon footprints through the use of solar energy resources to prevent climate change. Barack Obama asserts that “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it” ^[9]. Despite the various physical constraints and environmental limitations that Singapore faces in its demand in clean energy, they managed to come up with innovative approaches to do their part in battling climate change.

Reference List

Barack Obama. (2014, September 24). Climate Change [Tweet]. Twitter. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://twitter.com/barackobama/status/514461859542351872?lang=en

Daubach, T. (2019, July 19). How can Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition be sped up? Eco-Business. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/

Energy Information Administration (2021, August). Singapore Analysis. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/country/SGP

Energy Market Authority (2021, June 25). Singapore’s Energy Story. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from  https://www.ema.gov.sg/ourenergystory

Energy Market Authority (2020, November 18). Solar Photovoltaic. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/Solar_Photovoltaic_Systems.aspx

National Climate Change Secretariat (2021, August 13). Singapore’s Approach To Alternative Energy. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/singapore-approach-to-alternative-energy/

National Climate Change Secretariat (2021, August 13).  Impact Of Climate Change And Adaption Measures. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/faqs/impact-of-climate-change-and-adaptation-measures/  

Tan, A. (2019, December 30). Singapore to ramp up solar energy production to power 350,000 homes by 2030. The Straits Times. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/solar-energy-to-meet-4-of-singapores-energy-demand-by-2030-up-from-less-than-1

World Population Review (2021). Countries By Density 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-by-density