Revolutionizing Carbon Estimation in Singapore’s Forests with Innovative Technology

The Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions (CNCS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has made significant progress in the field of carbon estimation within Singapore’s forest ecosystems. With the support of HSBC Singapore, the CNCS research team has developed technology-driven methods for estimating forest carbon, with the aim of extending this innovative approach to benefit nature-based and conservation projects across Southeast Asia.

By utilizing remote sensing technology, field measurements, and machine learning techniques, the NUS CNCS research team has successfully produced a comprehensive and spatially explicit assessment of Singapore’s forest carbon. This cutting-edge carbon map utilizes advanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, acquired through laser scanners mounted on drones or airplanes. This revolutionary method not only enhances accuracy and precision in carbon estimation but also streamlines the process by reducing the time and manpower required compared to traditional satellite-based and manual measurement methods.

These findings have significant implications, signifying a substantial advancement in the understanding and preservation of Singapore’s forest ecosystems. Furthermore, the methodology developed by the NUS CNCS research team has the potential to provide precise estimations for forest carbon across Southeast Asia. This critical information can empower governments and organizations to identify areas of interest for protection and investment, thereby promoting conservation efforts and sustainable development in the region.

Frances Chen, Head of Sustainability, ASEAN at HSBC, highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change, particularly in the rapidly growing yet vulnerable region of Southeast Asia. She emphasized the role of the finance sector in scaling up nature-based solutions and expressed HSBC’s commitment to facilitating a better understanding of the benefits of nature-based solutions through quantification and measurement.

Professor Koh Lian Pin, NUS Associate Vice President and Chief Sustainability Scientist, and Director of NUS CNCS, emphasized the collaborative effort that contributed to this milestone achievement. He underscored the role of private sector, academic, and governmental collaboration as instrumental in the development of this innovative methodology.

The team’s LiDAR-predicted carbon maps revealed Singapore’s forests as containing an estimated total carbon stock of up to 1.37 teragrams of carbon (Tg C) in 2019. This accounts for approximately up to 2.74 per cent of the nation’s 2021 CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, highlighting the significance of these findings in the context of climate mitigation.

In addition to the pioneering carbon estimation, the team’s technology-driven approach offers valuable insights into the distribution of carbon across Singapore’s terrestrial forests, freshwater swamp forests, and mangroves. The carbon stock is notably concentrated in Singapore’s protected nature reserves, such as Bukit Timah, Central Catchment, and Sungei Buloh, underlining the effectiveness of conservation and restoration efforts in preserving Singapore’s carbon sinks.

For further information on the findings of the project ‘Technology-driven methods for estimation of nature-based carbon stocks in Singapore,’ please refer to the detailed report on the NUS CNCS website.

The groundbreaking work of the NUS CNCS in leveraging innovative technology to advance carbon estimation in Singapore’s forests establishes a new standard for nature-based climate solutions. This transformative approach not only benefits Singapore’s conservation efforts but also holds immense potential for broader application across Southeast Asia.