The global impact of climate change is significant and Singapore is no exception. From more extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels to threats to our biodiversity, the effects are being felt here on our shores. The Singapore government has taken firm action to tackle climate change, with the Singapore Green Plan aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and a commitment at COP29 of up to US$500 million to finance climate action in Asia. While there is concerted effort on a national level, on an individual level, how do Singaporeans feel about their role in tackling climate change? To find out, RySense surveyed 1045 respondents from our online panel, HappyDot.sg, in September 2024.
Singaporeans take climate change seriously
91% believe climate change poses ‘at least moderate threat’ to them (Figure 1) and 81% are ‘moderately worried and above’ about the problem (Figure 2).
Tackling climate change is viewed as an issue of shared responsibility
Tackling climate change requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders. While the government (25%) and businesses (25%) are seen to play substantial roles in supporting climate action, it is encouraging to see that individuals are attributing 20% of responsibility for climate change to themselves (Figure 3). This willingness reflects a positive attitude toward shared accountability, highlighting that each stakeholder has a role to play in shaping the climate agenda and tackling the threat together.
On an individual level, what are Singaporeans willing to do to mitigate climate change? We asked our respondents about their motivation to engage in seven green behaviours that can be incorporated into daily life, as well as their perception of the impact these behaviours have on combating climate change (Figure 4).
Singaporeans are most motivated to reduce and reuse
The top three behaviours that respondents are most motivated to engage in fall under the ‘reduce’ (prepare/buy just sufficient food for meals) and ’reuse’ (use reusable shopping bags or containers; reuse items for other purposes) categories. 8 out of 10 people are motivated to engage in these behaviours and a similar proportion believe that these green behaviours have a ‘moderate to significant impact’ on tackling climate change (Figure 4). Greater motivation to carry out these behaviours may be due to the ease with which they can be performed.
Almost half are ‘Green Players’ though more are needed to fight climate change more effectively
Recognising that individuals differ in their motivations to adopt green practices, we profiled our respondents using two-step cluster analysis, a statistical tool. The analysis revealed three distinct groups: Green Players (44% of the sample), Green Spectators (33%), and Green Ignorant (23%). At one end of the spectrum are Green Players who are highly motivated to engage in green behaviours, the most worried about climate change (Figure 5), and the most knowledgeable about effective climate actions. At the other end are the Green Ignorant, with the Green Spectators positioned in between. Interestingly, females and those aged 55 years and above are more likely to be Green Players, while males tend to fall into the Green Spectators category.
It is encouraging to observe that almost half (44%) are Green Players. The challenge now is to understand the attitudes of Green Spectators and the Green Ignorant, engage and nudge them into action. Addressing climate change is a whole-of-nation effort and getting more Green Players on board will help power the cause for a cleaner, greener future.
