Singapore recognises the urgency of future planning through its long-term, low-emissions development strategy. Its state-led, low-carbon transition is a carefully coordinated, economically pragmatic and technologically oriented one. However, such a top-down, technocratic approach is inadequate and needs to be supplemented by bottom-up, community-level action. In Singapore’s transition to a low-carbon future, the community as a subject and scale of analysis is a crucial but often neglected aspect. Consequently, this research project examines the emergence of low-carbon communities in Singapore and how they are (prefiguratively) responding to calls for a low-carbon future. Grassroots efforts complement state directives by affording spaces for social innovation and experimentation, as well as platforms for learning about low-carbon practices. Low-carbon communities, such as food rescue/redistribution and composting collectives, repair clinics and climate advocacy groups, multiply socio-political possibilities for civic engagement and social care/welfare. Besides empowering communities to take ownership of their futures, community participation can potentially contribute to an individual's personal and social wellbeing.

PI & Co-PI: Brenda S.A. Yeoh FBA & Shahmir Ali
ARI Team: Tan Qian Hui

Funding Agency: Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund Tier 2 (MOE-T2EP40225-0003)
Project Duration: 30 September 2026 – 29 September 2029