Singapore must place human rights at the forefront of its sustainability initiatives, according to Astrid Puentes Riaño, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. During her recent visit, Puentes Riaño highlighted Singapore’s significant role in global climate action and urged the city-state to enhance its efforts in reducing energy, water, and resource demands amidst the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Puentes Riaño emphasised the importance of adopting an ecosystem and human rights-based approach, incorporating natural solutions and ancestral knowledge. She stated, “Access to information, public participation, and access to justice in decision-making processes are essential elements of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.”
The UN expert called for Singapore to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly gas, which constitutes 95% of its energy grid. She also stressed the need for stringent monitoring of industries to mitigate environmental impacts. Despite Singapore’s minimal contribution to global emissions, Puentes Riaño noted its high per capita emissions, indicating room for improvement.
Singapore’s ambition to become a “City in Nature” was acknowledged, with efforts to expand green spaces and enhance water and energy systems. Puentes Riaño warned of the human rights implications of climate impacts, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather, urging complementary actions focusing on air quality and public health.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report on her findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026.
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