Nations across the globe are leveraging sustainability as a competitive advantage. Will the U.S. be left behind?
While the U.S. federal government continues to falter on meaningful climate action—punting responsibility to states, cities, and the private sector—other nations are charging ahead, not only to meet emissions goals but to secure a competitive edge in the transforming global economy.
As one example, the island nation of Singapore is rapidly emerging as a global carbon trading powerhouse. Its strategic investments in sustainability, carbon markets, and net-zero innovation are positioning the county as an environmental leader and a dominant force in the next-generation economy.
Carbon Credits: A Global Economic Catalyst
In September 2024, Singapore launched its first-ever carbon credit auction—attracting over S$1.3 billion (nearly $1 billion USD) in bids from some of the world’s largest companies, including Shell, PetroChina, and Temasek-backed GenZero. This auction wasn’t just a symbolic step—it was an unmistakable signal that carbon credits are becoming the green currency of the future.
By developing a trusted carbon marketplace, Singapore is creating powerful economic incentives for sustainability. According to its Economic Development Board, carbon trading could generate up to S$5.6 billion in economic value—a staggering number that repositions carbon not as a burden, but as an asset class.
Singapore is also building bilateral agreements with countries like Peru, Bhutan, and Ghana to purchase high-quality, nature-based carbon offsets. These aren’t greenwashing gestures; they’re strategic partnerships rooted in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with strict criteria for transparency, measurable results, and local impact.
The U.S. Is Stalling—At Its Own Peril
While Singapore turns climate policy into a driver of innovation and economic growth, the U.S. remains stuck in partisan gridlock. The current federal retreat on climate action isn’t just a blemish to our reputation on the world stage, it’s economically self-defeating, given that sustainability now offers tremendous opportunity for innovation and financial gain.
From clean energy to carbon management, circular products to climate tech, the economic transformation is already underway. Countries that embrace this evolution are securing long-term economic resilience, geopolitical relevance, and national security. Those that hesitate or resist risk losing ground as the global order reorganizes around new ruling principles.
For too long, the U.S. economy has been structured around outdated models that ignore the environmental costs of growth. But a better path is not only possible—it’s profitable.
Research from Boston Consulting Group and Cambridge University shows that investing just 2% of GDP in climate action could prevent 90% of future climate-related economic damage.
That’s not just good policy—it’s extraordinary ROI.
Lessons from Singapore: Carbon as Currency
Singapore’s forward-thinking model offers a blueprint for how the U.S. can catch up and reassert its leadership:
Put a price on carbon. Singapore’s 2019 carbon tax laid the groundwork for its carbon marketplace. The initiative proved that pricing pollution works by aligning business behavior with climate goals.
Invest in carbon markets. Carbon credits aren’t just offsets, they’re capital for nature-based solutions and technological innovation.
Build global partnerships. Singapore’s international agreements show that carbon cooperation enhances both diplomacy and decarbonization.
Treat sustainability as economic strategy. This is not philanthropy. This is economic infrastructure for a decarbonized future.
Time to Evolve
We are witnessing the emergence of a sustainability-based global economy. Carbon markets, climate tech, clean energy, and circular materials are not just environmental solutions—they are economic cornerstones.
If the U.S. is to remain a global leader, we must evolve. We need policies that reward innovation, markets that internalize environmental costs, and a national strategy that sees sustainability not as sacrifice—but as strategy.
Want to learn more about zero carbon building? Enroll in Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy, which has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings.
And, be sure to check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.
Transforming our Future: New Global Economy
Nations across the globe are leveraging sustainability as a competitive advantage. Will the U.S. be left behind?
While the U.S. federal government continues to falter on meaningful climate action—punting responsibility to states, cities, and the private sector—other nations are charging ahead, not only to meet emissions goals but to secure a competitive edge in the transforming global economy.
As one example, the island nation of Singapore is rapidly emerging as a global carbon trading powerhouse. Its strategic investments in sustainability, carbon markets, and net-zero innovation are positioning the county as an environmental leader and a dominant force in the next-generation economy.
Carbon Credits: A Global Economic Catalyst
In September 2024, Singapore launched its first-ever carbon credit auction—attracting over S$1.3 billion (nearly $1 billion USD) in bids from some of the world’s largest companies, including Shell, PetroChina, and Temasek-backed GenZero. This auction wasn’t just a symbolic step—it was an unmistakable signal that carbon credits are becoming the green currency of the future.
By developing a trusted carbon marketplace, Singapore is creating powerful economic incentives for sustainability. According to its Economic Development Board, carbon trading could generate up to S$5.6 billion in economic value—a staggering number that repositions carbon not as a burden, but as an asset class.
Singapore is also building bilateral agreements with countries like Peru, Bhutan, and Ghana to purchase high-quality, nature-based carbon offsets. These aren’t greenwashing gestures; they’re strategic partnerships rooted in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with strict criteria for transparency, measurable results, and local impact.
The U.S. Is Stalling—At Its Own Peril
While Singapore turns climate policy into a driver of innovation and economic growth, the U.S. remains stuck in partisan gridlock. The current federal retreat on climate action isn’t just a blemish to our reputation on the world stage, it’s economically self-defeating, given that sustainability now offers tremendous opportunity for innovation and financial gain.
From clean energy to carbon management, circular products to climate tech, the economic transformation is already underway. Countries that embrace this evolution are securing long-term economic resilience, geopolitical relevance, and national security. Those that hesitate or resist risk losing ground as the global order reorganizes around new ruling principles.
For too long, the U.S. economy has been structured around outdated models that ignore the environmental costs of growth. But a better path is not only possible—it’s profitable.
Research from Boston Consulting Group and Cambridge University shows that investing just 2% of GDP in climate action could prevent 90% of future climate-related economic damage.
That’s not just good policy—it’s extraordinary ROI.
Lessons from Singapore: Carbon as Currency
Singapore’s forward-thinking model offers a blueprint for how the U.S. can catch up and reassert its leadership:
Time to Evolve
We are witnessing the emergence of a sustainability-based global economy. Carbon markets, climate tech, clean energy, and circular materials are not just environmental solutions—they are economic cornerstones.
If the U.S. is to remain a global leader, we must evolve. We need policies that reward innovation, markets that internalize environmental costs, and a national strategy that sees sustainability not as sacrifice—but as strategy.
Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Homeowner Campaign Sponsors: Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation takes sustainability seriously, in both their products and their operations. Learn more about building and buying homes that are more affordable and less resource intensive.
Want to learn more about zero carbon building? Enroll in Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy, which has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings.
And, be sure to check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.
By Sara Gutterman
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.Also Read