The Climate Policy Institute (CPI) conducted a study visit to Singapore between 29 November and 4 December to gain insight into how climate policy, sustainability, and economic development are integrated in one of the world’s most densely populated and resource-constrained urban states.
Singapore represents a highly relevant case for CPI’s climate policy analysis, as it faces significant climate risks while maintaining strong economic performance and high governance standards. The CPI programme combined meetings with research institutions, policy think tanks, business organisations, and civil society actors, alongside site visits that illustrated how policy objectives are translated into practical solutions.
From the outset, the CPI delegation observed that climate action in Singapore is embedded within national planning rather than treated as a standalone environmental issue. This approach was clearly demonstrated at the Sustainable Singapore Gallery at Marina Barrage, which presented the country’s long-term sustainability strategies, climate adaptation measures, and public engagement efforts. The Marina Barrage itself exemplifies Singapore’s emphasis on multifunctional infrastructure, serving simultaneously as flood protection, a freshwater reservoir, and a public space that maximises the use of limited land and resources.
Engagement with policy-oriented research institutions formed a central part of the CPI visit. At the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, discussions focused on the regional and global dimensions of climate change and its growing relevance for international relations, trade, and security, particularly in Southeast Asia. The exchange highlighted how climate-related risks shape geopolitical dynamics, supply chains, and economic resilience, and how dialogue platforms help bridge perspectives across government, business, and civil society, providing important context for CPI’s understanding of climate policy beyond the national level.
The role of civil society in shaping sustainability outcomes was explored during CPI’s meeting with the Singapore Environment Council, which contributes to environmental governance through education, certification schemes, and partnerships with public and private actors. The discussion demonstrated how voluntary standards and awareness-raising initiatives can complement regulatory frameworks by encouraging sustainable practices among consumers and businesses.
Academic institutions were shown to play a key role in Singapore’s climate policy ecosystem, as highlighted during CPI’s visits to the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. At the Institute for Environment and Sustainability at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, research on climate change, water governance, biodiversity, and energy systems was presented with a strong emphasis on practical applicability and institutional realities. This focus on fit-for-purpose policy solutions was reinforced at the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, where applied environmental research and technological innovation are developed in close cooperation with government and industry partners, enabling rapid translation from research to real-world impact.
The importance of public health considerations in climate policy was addressed during CPI’s engagement with the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health. Researchers presented work on the impacts of heat stress, air pollution, and water quality on human health in tropical urban environments, highlighting how integrating health perspectives into climate policy can strengthen resilience and make climate risks more tangible for policymakers and the public.
CPI’s discussions with the Smart Technologies and Sustainability Division of the Singapore Business Federation focused on private sector engagement in climate action. The exchange illustrated how businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are supported in adopting sustainable practices while remaining competitive, and how climate and sustainability objectives can be aligned with innovation, digitalisation, and long-term business resilience. Energy transition challenges were further examined during CPI’s visit to the Energy Studies Institute at the National University of Singapore, where research on energy economics, security, and environmental impacts underscored the importance of evidence-based decision-making in navigating complex trade-offs.
The CPI programme concluded with an exchange with Energy CoLab, a youth-led initiative focused on making knowledge about energy systems and the energy transition more accessible. This discussion emphasised the value of engaging younger generations in climate and energy policy debates and fostering inclusive participation in sustainability efforts.
Overall, CPI’s study visits to Singapore provided a comprehensive overview of a climate governance model characterised by strategic coordination, strong institutional capacity, and a pragmatic approach to climate challenges. The insights gained strengthen CPI’s climate policy analysis and offer valuable reference points for developing integrated, evidence-based, and context-specific solutions to address climate change.
