Environment & climate

Diana Pang Li Yen asked about the expansion of shaded public playgrounds and outdoor play areas in light of rising temperatures and their alignment with efforts to reduce children's screen time. Chee Hong Tat explained that agencies consider thermal comfort when designing playgrounds, using tools for sun-shade analysis and heat mapping. Agencies aim to place playgrounds in shaded areas and use climate-appropriate materials. Additionally, NParks has created 40 nature playgardens to encourage outdoor play and connection with nature.

He Ting Ru questioned the readiness of aggregated allowances for Emissions-Intensive Trade-Exposed sectors and their potential impact on Singapore's emissions reduction goals for 2035. Gan Kim Yong responded that the aggregated data on carbon tax allowances will be released in 2027. The government emphasizes that achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution involves a collective effort from all sectors of society to reduce emissions and adopt energy-efficient practices. The fulfillment of Singapore's climate commitments will also rely on international cooperation and advancements in decarbonisation technologies.

He Ting Ru questioned the rationale behind the five-year delay in climate reporting requirements for small and mid-sized SGX-listed companies, compared to the one to two years proposed by the Singapore Business Federation. Gan Kim Yong explained that supporting companies in climate reporting is part of Singapore's net-zero plan by 2050. The Singapore Exchange conducted reviews and surveys that indicated while progress has been made, smaller companies need additional time to develop the necessary capabilities for International Sustainability Standards Board-based reporting. The five-year delay aims to ensure competitiveness without overwhelming smaller businesses in a challenging economic environment. The government is committed to assisting companies in their climate reporting efforts.

Poh Li San asked about the role of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) in the world's largest marine carbon dioxide removal technology project starting operations in Tuas in 2026, the involvement of Singaporean scientists, and the plant's power source. Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that PUB, together with the National Research Foundation and UCLA's Institute for Carbon Management, is co-funding the project which aims to validate ocean-based carbon dioxide removal technology. The project will be grid-powered and, if successful, could be integrated into PUB's desalination plants, aiding Singapore's net-zero emissions goal. Singaporean institutions, including the National University of Singapore, are contributing to the research on managing by-products from the process.

Foo Cexiang asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about strategies to reduce contamination in blue recycling bins and the possibility of encouraging residents to pre-sort and clean recyclables before disposal. Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged the question and referred to a related written response provided by the Ministry on September 23, 2025, which addresses improving recycling rates and creating recyclables collection centres.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the lack of penalties for dog owners who let their dogs urinate on concrete without cleaning up. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that while pet owners must clean up after defecation, fully cleaning up urine is more challenging. The Ministry encourages responsible pet ownership and civic-mindedness but has no current plans to mandate cleaning up after urination. Educational efforts are in place to inform pet owners about their responsibilities, and the public is encouraged to report issues to Town Councils.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the frequency of recyclable collection, monthly reports of overflowing bins, and the possibility of increasing collections to five times weekly. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency (NEA) reviews collection frequency based on local needs, with current collections at three times a week and larger bins collected weekly in high-recycling areas. NEA receives few reports of overflowing bins, usually related to improper disposal of bulky items, and has increased collection during festive seasons when higher volumes of recyclables are expected. Public cooperation is encouraged to ensure recyclables are properly prepared to maintain cleanliness and efficiency in collection.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about plans to enhance ecological connectivity between Mandai mangrove and mudflats to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the status of biodiversity studies in surrounding buffer forests. Chee Hong Tat announced the establishment of the Kranji Nature Corridor to improve ecological connectivity, featuring over 110 hectares of new parks and recreational routes. The routes will include plantings to support wildlife movement, and assessments for Environmental Impact Assessments in the buffer forests will occur if future developments are proposed.

Yip Hon Weng asked about the impact of increased electric vehicle (EV) adoption on Singapore’s electricity grid, the status of ceasing internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2030, and the transition to a car-lite society. Jeffrey Siow emphasized the importance of an accessible public transport network in achieving a car-lite vision while limiting vehicle population through the Vehicle Quota System. He noted that over 80% of new vehicle registrations this year were cleaner-energy models, with plans to end new registrations of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. The Land Transport Authority will collaborate with relevant agencies to support EV adoption and ensure the electricity grid can accommodate increased demand.