Environment & climate

Poh Li San raised concerns about Singapore's long-term targets for carbon emissions reduction and questioned the government's progress in meeting its targets for 2030 and 2035. He Ting Ru inquired about the integration of circular economy principles and tracking outsourced carbon emissions, raising questions about corporate accountability and scrutiny in various sectors. Dennis Tan highlighted the environmental impact of AI and called for regulation on its carbon footprint, emphasizing the need for guidelines to make AI development more sustainable. Lim Wee Kiak emphasized the importance of continued innovation in climate action and asked about support for local industries transitioning to greener practices. The Senior Minister outlined Singapore's commitment to ambitious climate targets and an array of ongoing initiatives to achieve emissions reductions, while also addressing challenges and the need for international collaboration in environmental efforts.

Hazel Poa questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about the proportion of emissions from the refining and petrochemical sector that will receive carbon tax rebates in 2024. She also asked for the effective carbon tax rate per ton of emissions for that sector after rebates. Gan Kim Yong responded that the Government will provide aggregated information on carbon tax allowances later while considering commercial sensitivities.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested an update on enhancing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework. Desmond Lee indicated that the EIA framework is continually reviewed and updated for relevance and robustness, citing the publication of Biodiversity Impact Assessment guidelines by NParks in 2020, with enhancements made in May 2024. Ongoing efforts include a pilot program for centralizing EIA consultancy services to standardize methodologies and developing a centralized database for biodiversity information to aid long-term monitoring. The review of the EIA framework will continue to ensure its effectiveness.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the cause of an oil leak at the Brani Regional Base of the Police Coast Guard that resulted in a 23-tonne diesel spill on February 5, 2025, asking about investigation and public findings. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim provided a timeline indicating that the leak was caused by a damaged fuel hose, which developed micro-cracks and led to the spillage. The leak was initially reported but misidentified as a water leak due to the appearance of the marine diesel. Clean-up operations were conducted, and the leak was contained without impacting navigational traffic or beach access. The Police Coast Guard reviewed its maintenance protocols to prevent future occurrences while maintaining that their current practices are in line with industry standards.

• Ms. See Jinli Jean inquired about the decrease in littering and stain cases in HDB towns in 2024, the correlation between littering and rodent activity, and potential collaborative efforts to track rodent activity as a cleanliness measure.
• The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported approximately 4,000 littering feedback cases in HDB estates in 2024, consistent with 2023 figures, and found no strong correlation between littering hotspots and rodent burrow counts.
• NEA emphasized that poor refuse management contributes to rat infestations and announced plans to tighten enforcement against premises owners for rat-related issues starting April 2025.
• NEA is actively sharing rat surveillance data with Town Councils and stakeholders and is committed to enhancing community efforts for public hygiene and litter control in HDB estates.

• Singapore plans to use 2.51 million tonnes of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) annually to meet its emission reduction commitments from 2021 to 2030.
• High-quality ITMOs will be sourced as International Carbon Credits (ICCs) compliant with the Paris Agreement's Article 6.
• The government will obtain ICCs through an ICC Framework allowing carbon tax-liable companies to offset emissions and through procurement initiatives like a recent Request for Proposal for nature-based solutions.
• Singapore has signed Article 6 Implementation Agreements with Ghana and Papua New Guinea and is in discussions with over 20 other countries for similar agreements.

• Ms. Joan Pereira raised concerns about the need for more active engagement of private estates in addressing dengue transmission and mosquito breeding through solutions like fumigation.
• Minister Grace Fu highlighted the National Environment Agency's holistic strategy for dengue control, which includes community outreach and engagement, particularly in private estates.
• The primary focus of the NEA's strategy is source reduction, encouraging property owners to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, with chemical control methods used selectively in active transmission areas.
• The Minister emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in preventing dengue by maintaining clean surroundings and taking personal protective measures in dengue cluster areas.

• The Singapore government plans to apply heat-reflective coatings to all HDB blocks by 2030 as part of the Green Towns Programme to mitigate urban heat.
• The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will cover the additional costs for Town Councils using cool coatings instead of conventional paint.
• Long-term maintenance of the coatings will be guided by HDB, ensuring compliance with performance standards during cyclical repairs and redecoration.
• The initiative aims to enhance sustainability in HDB estates and is part of broader efforts to address the urban heat island effect.
• The cool coatings initiative aligns with other sustainability efforts under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

• The debate focused on the implications of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on Singapore's green investment strategies and low-carbon transition efforts.
• Singapore views climate change as an existential threat and remains committed to a multilateral approach to global climate action.
• The country has set ambitious climate goals, including a commitment to reduce emissions to between 45 and 50 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035 and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Singapore is actively collaborating with various global stakeholders to develop low-carbon technologies, support energy transitions, and promote green financing.
• Despite the US withdrawal, Singapore is determined to engage with like-minded partners to achieve a climate-resilient society and economy.

• The National Parks Board (NParks) considers factors like tree location, species, and maturity when planning tree pruning schedules.
• Pruning efforts are intensified before monsoon seasons to reduce risks from strong winds.
• Tree pruning on expressways is scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize traffic disruption, with contractors instructed to halt work if traffic builds up.
• NParks does not conduct tree pruning at night due to challenges in visibility and safety concerns identified during a pilot night pruning exercise.

• Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the status of the joint investigation by NEA and MPA regarding the oil slop leak incident that occurred on 20 October 2024, specifically questioning the delay in Shell's notification to authorities.
• Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that Shell submitted its investigation report on 20 November 2024, detailing the incident and response, but stated that the ongoing joint investigation prevents the disclosure of further details at this time.

Carrie Tan questioned whether the Ministry for National Development provides funding to Town Councils for municipal maintenance related to climate wear and tear, such as waterproofing repairs for older HDB buildings. Desmond Lee responded that Town Councils are responsible for maintenance, with HDB offering enhanced support, including inspections and technical advice for complex issues. The Government allocates nearly $260 million annually to support Town Council maintenance costs, and HDB co-shares 50% of exterior repair costs under a specific scheme. Town Councils are encouraged to manage their finances wisely and set aside contingency funds for unexpected repairs.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked about Singapore's green cover and progress on the OneMillionTrees movement. Desmond Lee stated that Singapore has over 7,800 hectares of green spaces, resulting in a green cover of around 40%. The OneMillionTrees movement aims to plant one million additional trees by 2030, with over 750,000 trees planted since its launch in April 2020. Singapore is on track to meet its tree-planting target.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if there are plans to collaborate with waste collection and recycling companies to increase the capacity of rubbish and recycling bins in public spaces, including HDB estates, to improve waste handling. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors waste disposal trends and coordinates with Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) to ensure timely collection, which maintains estate cleanliness. NEA has the authority to increase collection frequency when needed but has no plans to expand the size of the bins. The public is encouraged to practice proper waste disposal etiquette to maximize bin capacity.

Yip Hon Weng asked about reviewing policies to create better incentives for household solar power generation and to enhance private homeowners' contributions to Singapore's renewable energy goals. Gan Kim Yong stated that the government has streamlined solar panel installations, resulting in increased residential solar capacity from 11 to 59 megawatt-peak in five years. The government currently has no plans for additional incentives for solar deployments. The payment rate for homeowners selling electricity varies depending on whether they sell to SP Group or other retailers, and is influenced by grid maintenance charges or wholesale electricity prices.

Ang Wei Neng questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about Singapore's progress towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030 targets, specifically regarding waste reduction and solar energy deployment. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Baey Yam Keng, confirmed challenges in meeting waste reduction targets but noted that Singapore is on track to achieve its solar energy target of 1.5 gigawatt-peak by 2025, having reached 1.35 gigawatt-peak, meeting approximately 2% of electricity demand. Ang Wei Neng suggested encouraging more solar panel installations in new buildings and in renovations, while also inquiring about the impact of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement on Singapore's Green Plan. Baey stated that efforts to promote solar adoption are ongoing, particularly through the Solar Roof Programme for industrial properties, and reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to its climate targets despite global challenges.

• Ms. He Ting Ru questioned the inclusion of hybrid vehicles in the Government's cleaner-energy mandate for new car registrations starting in 2030, seeking clarity on their classification and future registration projections.
• Minister Chee Hong Tat responded that hybrid and electric vehicles are considered cleaner due to their lower carbon emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
• The registration of cleaner energy vehicles is increasing, with over 82% of new registrations in 2024 being cleaner models, and electric vehicles showing significant growth.
• There are currently no plans to prohibit the registration of hybrid vehicles, as it is deemed unnecessary and impractical.

• In 2024, 53 ocean-going vessels capable of operating on zero or near-zero emission fuels arrived at Singapore's ports, reflecting a growing trend in sustainable shipping.
• The Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) aims to train around 10,000 maritime personnel by the 2030s, with over 400 trained in 2024 and plans for increased capacity in subsequent years.
• The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is collaborating with shipping lines and ship management companies to enhance METF programs and support the global maritime sector's growth.
• MPA is also focused on facilitating safe bunkering of new fuels and developing technical standards to support the decarbonization of the maritime industry.
• There is an ongoing commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by around 2050, with efforts to increase training and standards in the industry.

• The debate focused on the potential impact of escaped crocodiles from Batam on Singapore's wildlife ecosystem and the safety of residents, farms, and businesses.
• Joan Pereira and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about measures for identifying and recovering escaped crocodiles, as well as the potential disruption to local biodiversity.
• Desmond Lee from NParks stated that the likelihood of the crocodiles reaching Singapore is low due to unfavorable travel conditions, but vigilance is advised for coastal fish farms.
• NParks is monitoring the situation and has provided guidelines for the public on how to respond to crocodile sightings, emphasizing safety and reporting procedures.
• Residents visiting Batam are encouraged to seek local advice regarding safety measures related to crocodiles, especially during water activities.