Can Singapore really transit to a post-oil economy?

Move away from oil refining to grow the green energy sector? If done, this must be at a pace Singapore can cope with and not destroy value in sectors of the economy that are 'fit for purpose' for another half century or more.

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Some commentators have called for more drastic action from Singapore's policymakers to "mitigate", or reduce, the effects of climate change.

One academic, for example, wrote pointedly: "We can continue to reject plastic straws, but to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and future-proof its economy, Singapore must adopt a strategy to shift its reliance on the petroleum and refinery industry."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 10, 2020, with the headline Can Singapore really transit to a post-oil economy?. Subscribe