‍10th SSD on 22 Nov 2021: Climate Change and Sustainability Governance - A Deep Dive

The tenth Stratagem Group – Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Sino-Singapore Dialogue, themed "Climate Change and Sustainability Governance," took place on 22 November 2021, coinciding with the '2021 Lien International Conference on Good Governance.' This timely dialogue, featuring international experts from China, the US, and Singapore, followed the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, which had intensified global attention on the urgent need for climate action and the crucial role of good governance in mitigating its adverse effects. The event drew a significant audience, with over 300 participants from diverse industries and countries across the region.  

Key Takeaways from Expert Presentations:

Prof Shane Allen Snyder (Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute):

• Life Cycle Assessment: Prof Snyder emphasized the critical importance of life cycle assessment, a comprehensive evaluation of a product's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle, from resource extraction to disposal. He stressed the need for complete transparency and honesty in this process, going beyond superficial measures like tree planting and considering the full picture of resource consumption.  
• Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals:  The biggest challenge in sustainability, according to Prof Snyder, lies in balancing immediate visible results with long-term environmental benefits. This requires careful planning and a commitment to sustainable practices that may not yield immediate returns but contribute to long-term ecological balance.
• Technological Advancements: Prof Snyder expressed optimism about the role of technology in making sustainable solutions more affordable and accessible to societies at all stages of development. He highlighted how continuous innovation can drive down the cost of sustainable technologies and promote their wider adoption.  

Dr Miao Lu (Centre for China & Globalisation):

• Sustainability at All Levels: Dr Lu underscored the necessity of integrating sustainability into every facet of society, from global governance to individual actions. She referenced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2015 Paris Agreement as a framework for creating shared value that benefits all individuals, regardless of nationality or organizational affiliation.  
• International Cooperation: Dr Lu stressed the importance of collaborative international action in addressing climate change. She cited the COP26 Summit as a crucial step towards global coordination and highlighted the significance of renewed cooperation between the US and China in areas like methane emission reduction, forest protection, and coal phase-out.
• Sustainability Management Systems:  Dr Lu acknowledged the rise of sustainability management systems but cautioned against rigid universal guidelines. Instead, she advocated for a focus on universally applicable sustainability principles that can be adapted to different contexts and needs.

Dr Zhang Shuwei (Draworld Environment Research Centre):

• Shifting from Negotiation to Implementation: Dr Zhang urged countries to move beyond constant renegotiation of climate agreements and emission targets and prioritize the implementation of existing commitments. He emphasized the need for governments to critically assess their domestic and international instruments for tackling climate change, including carbon pricing, carbon credits, and carbon taxes.
• Economic Considerations: Dr Zhang highlighted the economic dimension of climate action, raising the crucial question of who bears the cost. He called for a clear framework of measurable indicators to evaluate the impact of climate change and the effectiveness of mitigation initiatives, ensuring accountability at national and institutional levels.
• Broadening the Climate Discussion:  Dr Zhang advocated for expanding the climate change discourse beyond emission reduction targets to encompass wider environmental and social considerations. This includes addressing issues like climate justice, adaptation to climate impacts, and the preservation of biodiversity.

Mr Wee Boon Siong (RHT Green):

• Increased Emphasis on Sustainability: Mr Wee observed a significant increase in awareness and action on sustainability across all levels of society in recent years. He stressed the urgent need for universal participation in climate action, involving both developed and developing nations.
• Government Intervention and Incentives: Mr Wee argued for initial government intervention through incentives to encourage widespread participation in climate initiatives. He suggested that these incentives could be gradually phased out as momentum builds and a critical mass of stakeholders engage in sustainable practices.
• Multilateral Approach: Mr Wee echoed the other speakers in advocating for a multilateral approach to climate change. He emphasized the compatibility of sustainability and economic performance, highlighting the need for nations and institutions to harmonize these two elements effectively.

Consensus and Recommendations:

The dialogue fostered a strong consensus on the pivotal role of sustainability governance in combating climate change. The panelists agreed that climate change is a global challenge demanding collective action, and effective governance requires long-term vision, encompassing economic, social, and environmental considerations.

Key recommendations from the dialogue included:

• International Cooperation:  Strengthening international collaboration and investment in technological research to develop and implement innovative solutions for climate change mitigation.
• Global Sustainability Standards: Establishing a set of globally recognized sustainability standards to promote transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring of climate action across all stakeholders.
• Moving from Talk to Action:  Transitioning from discussions and negotiations to concrete actions and implementation of climate commitments, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this global crisis.

The 10th SSD served as a valuable platform for insightful discussions and knowledge sharing on climate change and sustainability governance. The insights and recommendations from the dialogue provide a roadmap for collective action, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation, technological innovation, and robust governance frameworks to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.

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