SINGAPORE - Public consultations will start early next year to decide on Singapore's plans and targets to reduce carbon emissions after 2020, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Friday.

If nothing was done to reduce emissions after 2005, Singapore would reach some 77 million tonnes of emissions by 2020.

The Government has pledged to reduce this 2020 projection by 7 to 11 per cent, and to increase its commitment to 16 per cent if there is a global, binding deal to reduce emissions.

"Even though we are a small island state with limited access to renewable energy sources, Singapore will do our part as a responsible member of the international community to manage our emissions," said DPM Teo at the prize ceremony for the annual National Climate Change Competition.

When asked, the National Climate Change Secretariat said the country is on track to reach the 7 to 11 per cent reduction target.

If the 16 per cent target is activated by a global deal, the Government could introduce new measures or make current policies such as the Energy Conservation Act more stringent, said a spokesman.