Sustainability Ethics and Law: Food Security, Climate Change & Singapore SDGs

Question 1

Global food security has become increasingly fragile due to climate change, population growth, changing consumption patterns and geopolitical tensions. At the same time, environmental limits such as finite land and water resources, ecological degradation and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are placing pressure on food systems worldwide.

The Brundtland Report highlighted the need for development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, emphasising the interconnected roles of environment, economy and society in sustainable development.

In line with this, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing urgent social, economic and environmental challenges. Singapore, which imports over 90% of its food, has adopted the “30-by-30” goal to build up its agri-food industry’s capability and capacity to sustainably produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030. This involves strategies such as diversifying food sources, investing in alternative proteins and leveraging technology to improve productivity.

At the same time, consumers are urged to change mindsets and accept more sustainable dietary choices.

(See resilient-future , what-we-do)

(a) Discuss how the global food security challenge and climate change impact SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and any two (2) other SDGs of your choice. In your answer, consider both the positive and negative implications of efforts to enhance food security for these SDGs, supported by relevant examples.

(b) Singapore is re-evaluating its national agri-food strategy. In November 2025, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced that the original “30-by-30” goal (to locally produce 30% of nutritional needs by 2030) has been revised, with new targets of producing 20% of domestic “fibre” and 30% of domestic “protein” by 2035.  (See singapores-30-by-30-farminggoal-pushed-back-to-2035-with-revised-targets-for-fibre-and-protein.)

Critically appraise Singapore’s efforts to achieve a resilient and sustainable food system. In your answer, you should:

• highlight key policies and initiatives and explain how they align with relevant SDGs;
• explain the main challenges and constraints Singapore faces in achieving these targets and evaluate how the revision of the goal reflects these real-world constraints;
• consider how the revision itself affects the ambition, equity and intergenerational dimension of the strategy.

(c) Propose two (2) specific initiatives that a business organisation in Singapore’s food or retail sector can implement to positively impact other SDGs not covered in your responses to Questions 1(a) and 1(b). For each initiative, clearly identify the SDG, describe the initiative and explain how it creates positive impact, supported by appropriate examples.

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Expert Answers on Above Questions on Food Security and Climate Change

Food security climate change and the SDGs

SDG2: Zero hunger
Negative impact: The impact of climate change is negative as it leads to reduction in crop yields, floods, drought and ultimate impact is a negative threat to the food availability and increase in the price levels.
Positive impact of food security effort: The food security efforts can help in increasing resilience and reduce dependence on the import level. The productivity level improves from sustainable intensification which directly contributes towards SDG 2’s goals of ending hunger and improving nutrition.

SDG 12:Responsible consumption and production

Negative trade-offs: The efforts aimed at increasing the food production level may result in a significant overuse of fertilizers, energy and water leading to a rise in the waste and pollution.
Positive aspects: The impact on the environment would be lower from reduced food loss, circular food systems and sustainable diets. The pressure on the supply chain and natural resources would be reduced from a shift of consumers towards sustainable food choices.

SDG 13: Climate action

Negative trade-offs: The role of agriculture is significant with respect to the greenhouse gas emissions and the further expansion of production capacity without sustainability measures can contribute negatively towards increased emissions.
Positive aspects: The control over the emission level can be achieved through innovative ideas like Precision agriculture, low carbon Urban farming and alternative proteins.

Singapore’s revised Agri food strategy

Key policies and sdg alignment: 30×30 strategy: This strategy is aimed at improving the local production by utilizing high tech Urban farming.
Investment in alternative proteins: It supports the primary goal of SDG 12 which is sustainable consumption and SDG 13 which is lower emissions.
Diversified import sources: It focuses on improving resilience and supports Global partnership.
Challenges and constraints: The major challenges are in the form of land scarcity in Singapore, high production cost for urban farming, climate vulnerability as there is significant Reliance on Imports, and technological limitations such as scaling alternative protein.

Evaluation of revised targets, 20% fiber and 30% protein by 2035

An analysis of the revised targets indicates realistic constraints such as cost, land and technological readiness. It clearly reflects a shift from symbolic ambition to a nutrition focused Target.
Impact of revision: The revision is slightly ambitious in its target while it fosters equity in terms of improving national security and contributes significantly towards intergenerational sustainability.

Two business initiatives supporting other SDGs

The other two such initiatives are food waste reduction program and sustainable packaging transition. According to sdg-12 known for responsible consumption and production, an AI based inventory system can help a supermarket chain to reduce its landfill waste and methane emissions while ensuring positive support to low-income communities through food accessibility. As per SDG 14 which supports life below water, a food retailer can replace single use plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives.

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