There are two major and related issues with the use of fossil fuels in Singapore. The first issue pertains to the environmental impact Singapore has on the world, and can be further divided into (1) greenhouse gas emissions from use of fossil fuels, and (2) mass consumption of limited fossil fuel reserves from other countries.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Although Singapore contributes to only 0.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions (National Climate Change Secretariat, 2013), it is still rather substantial considering the small size of Singapore. Furthermore, Singapore was ranked 27th out of 137 countries in terms of carbon emissions per capita, in front of other bigger countries such as the United Kingdom (36th), China (56th) and Indonesia (91th). Admittedly, 0.2% is a seemingly small percentage, but more could be done to reduce Singapore’s contribution of greenhouse gases.
CONSUMPTION OF FUELS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
As Singapore has no fossil fuel reserves of its own, fossil fuels have to be imported from other countries to meet Singapore’s energy demands. However, due to the fact that fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources, Singapore is rapidly depleting part of the world’s common pool of fuel resources. Also, note that the import of fossil fuels from other countries means that Singapore’s pattern of fuel consumption has an impact on its supplying countries as well. The schematic flowchart below represents the possible process of the depletion of fuel reserves when coupled with mass and rapid consumption.
Figure 5. Process of fuel reserve depletion when coupled with mass and rapid consumption
An actual example of the start of this process is evidenced by the export of natural gas from Malaysia and Indonesia to other countries, including Singapore. Originally, Malaysia and Indonesia were some of the largest exporters of natural gas. However, due to the declining amount of natural gas reserves as well as the increasing domestic demand in Malaysia and Indonesia, these two countries now have to import natural gas from other countries (Agence France-Presse, 2012). If this process continues, existing fuel reserves will ultimately be depleted. This is especially a cause of concern for Singapore, because its supply of fuels could be cut off or reduced by its supplying countries when these countries have insufficient fuel reserves to meet their own domestic energy demands. Given that Singapore is highly developed and requires a lot of energy to sustain its economy and people, the impact of a supply cut by other countries would be severe.