Environment & climate — Topics

3 Apr 2024

Proposal for Public Consultation on Singapore's Updated Nationally Determined Contributions for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ms He Ting Ru asked if the Ministry would conduct public consultation on Singapore's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) due in 2025 and whether it would be completed 9 to 12 months before the relevant Conference of Parties.
Minister Grace Fu confirmed Singapore’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, noting the 2019 NDC submission and increased ambition to net zero by 2050 and around 60 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
The Government is developing the 2035 NDC and plans to consult stakeholders as part of this process.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2024

Stockpiling Uranium to Secure Energy Sources for Shift Towards Nuclear Energy

The Minister for Trade and Industry confirmed that Singapore has no plans to stockpile uranium as it has not made any decision on deploying nuclear energy, with any future decision contingent on studies of safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
The government is building nuclear expertise through initiatives like the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, which has awarded 30 scholarships and developed a pipeline of 40 researchers, with a goal to train about 100 experts in the medium to long term.
Singapore is closely monitoring advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors and nuclear fusion, but considers fusion still nascent and at least a decade away, with no commercialized options yet available for deployment.
The government emphasized that no decision has been made on including nuclear energy in the future energy mix, as newer reactor designs must be commercially proven and their safety profiles understood before any commitment can be made.
Beyond nuclear, Singapore is diversifying its energy sources through measures like improving natural gas procurement, approving low-carbon energy imports, exploring geothermal energy, and piloting ammonia-based power generation to ensure energy security.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2024

Potential Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment monitors international studies on microplastics and nanoplastics, noting current data on health impacts is insufficient, while implementing measures like robust waste management and reducing single-use plastics.
Agencies are collaborating with the Ministry of Health to track evolving scientific evidence, including recent research on cardiovascular risks, and remain open to supporting relevant research as understanding develops.
Singapore’s water supply has been tested biennially since 2017, with no microplastics detected in treated water as of 2023, and efforts continue to minimize plastic waste entering the environment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2024

Update on Transition Framework for Carbon Tax

The Government introduced a carbon tax transition framework in January 2022 to help emissions-intensive and trade-exposed companies adjust, with transitory allowances based on efficiency benchmarks or decarbonisation plans, while the remaining emissions are taxed at the prevailing rate, and allowances are reviewed periodically.
The Economic Development Board has engaged over 20 companies in sectors like chemicals and electronics, with more to be included, and the government plans to release aggregated allowance data later while protecting commercial sensitivities.
The Energy Efficiency Fund has approved 90 projects worth $3.4 million and was recently enhanced into the Energy Efficiency Grant from April 2024 to support more companies.
The framework is designed to spur decarbonisation without undermining Singapore’s 2050 climate targets, but specific impacts will be clearer in about a year as the framework develops and international benchmarks evolve.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2024

Targets for and Tracking of Adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The Ministry for Transport will monitor global SAF developments, production scale, and other air hubs' approaches before deciding on future SAF targets beyond 2026.
Singapore's SAF requirement applies only to departing flights; international standards will guide the qualification of fuel types, and the 2026 1% target is a first step with further targets to be determined based on global supply and competitiveness considerations.
The government will consider studying countries with higher SAF targets to inform future Singapore goals, while balancing emission reductions with air hub competitiveness.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Apr 2024

Implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate and Levies for Business Aviation Flights

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport whether business aviation flights must use 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from 2026 and pay SAF levies, and the basis for the levy.
Chee Hong Tat confirmed the SAF levy will apply to all flights departing Singapore from 2026, including business aviation flights.
The debate centered on the mandate's scope and justification for imposing levies on business aviation, with a focus on ensuring consistent application across all flight types.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Apr 2024

Effectiveness of Sniffer Dogs' Detection of Wildlife Trafficking at Border Checkpoints

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested an update on the effectiveness of sniffer dogs in detecting wildlife trafficking and the number of illegal shipments detected.
The National Parks Board established a K9 Unit in 2021 at Singapore's border checkpoints to combat illegal wildlife trade.
The sniffer dogs and their handlers have contributed to detecting illegal shipments, including a notable 2022 seizure of 34kg of rhinoceros horns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Apr 2024

Factoring in Findings from Environmental Impact Studies for Development of Former Keppel Club and Gillman Barracks Sites

The Ministry for National Development will commence environmental and heritage studies for Gillman Barracks in the second quarter of 2024, with the findings to be published online for public feedback, and these plans will incorporate past studies, including the ecological connectivity findings from the Keppel Club site redevelopment.
The Minister confirmed that ecological connectivity identified in the Keppel Club Environmental Impact Study, including corridors between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve, will be considered to prevent significant biodiversity loss in the Gillman Barracks development.
Existing tenancies at Gillman Barracks will not be affected and will expire progressively by 2030; the government will engage tenants and future users as planning progresses, with full environmental and heritage reports made available online for public reference.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Apr 2024

Anticipated Disamenities to Residents and Commuters Due To Reclamation of Land for Woodlands Checkpoint Expansion

Ms Hany Soh raised concerns about potential noise, dust, and traffic disruptions from reclamation works for the Woodlands Checkpoint expansion, asking how the Ministry will mitigate these for residents and commuters.
The Minister of State for Trade and Industry outlined JTC’s mitigation measures, including a 3-metre-high noise barrier, dust control, traffic moderation, and an Environmental Impact Assessment that found minimal biodiversity impact.
Ms Hany Soh asked about bus service changes, environmental restoration, and land acquisition from Malaysia, to which the Minister reassured that operations will not be disrupted and the EIA has been completed and gazetted.
The Minister noted that any issues related to the viaduct through Marsiling Park fall under MHA/ICA’s purview, and a multi-agency approach will address resident feedback and minimize disamenities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Mar 2024

Updates on Funds Disbursed under and Key Successes of Exploiting Distributed Generation Programme

About $14 million has been awarded to four research projects under the $20 million Exploiting Distributed Generation Programme since its launch in 2018, through grant calls in 2019 and 2023.
The first grant call funded projects on microgrid design and distributed energy management, with findings to be tested at SIT's Punggol Campus for potential energy efficiency and cost savings.
The second grant call funded a three-year project testing vehicle-to-grid technology to intelligently manage electricity demand through large-scale adoption.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2024

Plans for and Implementation of Best Practices for Community Gardens

NParks collaborates with HDB, Town Councils, and community groups to establish community gardens in housing estates through various programmes, targeting 3,000 gardens by 2030, while considering site suitability and resident comfort.
Community garden plots are managed and allocated by Residents' Networks under the People's Association, with maintenance handled by residents to ensure equitable sharing.
NParks promotes best practices via the GardeningSG portal, design guides, and inclusive programmes like wheelchair-accessible planters and community events to raise awareness on cleanliness, inclusivity, and community involvement.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2024

Reasons for and Measures to Improve Low Glass Recycling Rate

The low glass recycling rate in Singapore is attributed to its small proportion of total waste and the high cost of recycling, which reduces economic incentives for waste generators.
Measures include the entry of new recycling companies like Abraclean, which processes recycled glass into industrial materials, and public awareness campaigns such as NEA’s Recycle Right initiative.
The government is exploring the expansion of the Extended Producer Responsibility approach to include glass packaging waste to improve recycling efforts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2024

Uptake for Quieter Construction Innovation Fund and Solutions Introduced

The National Environment Agency provided $1.5 million in grants from the Quieter Construction Innovation Fund (QCIF) from 2019 to 2021 to support contractors and suppliers in adopting quieter methods and equipment.
Funding supported the adoption of innovative quieter construction equipment such as jack-in piling machines, hydraulic crushers, quieter generators, and rebar bending machines.
The QCIF was launched on 1 April 2019 to incentivise the construction industry to adopt innovative quieter construction equipment and methods.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2024

Fines and Actions against Errant Contractors for Noise-related Infractions Related to North-South Corridor Construction Project

In 2023, the National Environment Agency took one enforcement action against the North-South Corridor contractor along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 for noise infractions, with contractors required to implement noise mitigation measures.
Repeat offenders face additional measures beyond fines, such as restricted working hours and mandatory electronic surveillance at construction sites.
The Ministry, through the Land Transport Authority, employs noise barriers, enclosures, and stakeholder engagement to minimize disruptions, acknowledging the project's proximity to residential areas.
The government balances construction progress with resident concerns, aiming to complete the project by 2029 and repurpose the area for community use post-construction.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2024

Impact of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy on Singapore's Aviation Sector and Tourism Industry

The Minister acknowledged that Singapore’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy aims to balance environmental goals with the long-term competitiveness of its aviation hub, with estimates showing ticket prices for economy class flights rising by $3 to $16 depending on destination.
The policy is designed to provide cost certainty to airlines and travelers through a fixed levy, unlike the volumetric mandates in other regions, and seeks to encourage investments in local SAF production facilities.
The Minister referenced the Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint by CAAS for further details on the strategy to develop the SAF ecosystem without significantly disadvantaging Singapore’s position as a travel hub.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2024

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy on Private Jets Departing from Singapore

Leong Mun Wai questioned whether the sustainable aviation fuel levy would apply to private jet flights departing from Singapore.
Chee Hong Tat, the Minister for Transport, confirmed that the levy will indeed be charged for such flights.
The debate centered on the application of the sustainable aviation fuel levy specifically to private jets.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2024

Update on Measures to Mitigate Potential Environmental Impact at Revised A1W1 Worksite of Cross Island MRT Line

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport about updates on environmental mitigation measures for the revised A1W1 worksite of the Cross Island MRT Line, ongoing monitoring of environmental and wildlife impact, and whether any impact has occurred.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority, in consultation with nature groups and the National Parks Board, has developed an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan with comprehensive mitigation measures for the A1W1 worksite.
He added that construction has not yet started at the revised worksite, implying that no impact has been observed so far.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2024

Potential Collaborations with International Energy Agency from Setting up of New Regional Office

The Ministry of Trade and Industry and Energy Market Authority will facilitate engagements between the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre, local businesses, and research institutions to foster public-private partnerships in the energy sector.
Plans are in place to leverage the Centre to support innovation in clean and renewable energy technologies, including through technical advice and policy support for scaling up deployment.
The Centre is expected to enhance Singapore’s and the region’s expertise in energy management and sustainability, with potential collaborations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and technology innovation.
Capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programmes with the IEA will be developed to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in energy management and sustainability practices.
The Regional Cooperation Centre aims to accelerate the energy transition, particularly in scaling up renewable energy and addressing green financing and climate sustainability solutions in the region.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2024

Engaging Businesses and Individuals to Promote More Sustainable Practices and Reduce Carbon Footprint

The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment and its agencies have engaged various stakeholders through campaigns like Say YES to Waste Less and Recycle Right, with household recycling rates rising from 64% in 2021 to 72% in 2023, and have promoted water conservation through events like Singapore World Water Day.
Initiatives such as Go Green SG have seen over 70,000 participants in 2023, while the SG Eco Fund has allocated $9.3 million to support more than 200 community projects, engaging over 300,000 people in sustainability efforts.
Progress on the Singapore Green Plan 2030 is ongoing, with updates available in recent Committee of Supply speeches; the Ministry continues to co-create and support ground-up projects to advance a sustainable economy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Mar 2024

Number of Trees with Girth of More Than a Metre Cut Down Since February 2021

Louis Ng asked the Minister for National Development how many trees with a girth of more than one metre have been cut down since February 2021 and whether the Singapore Green Plan 2030 accounts for trees cut down.
The Minister replied that there is no available data on the number of such trees cut down islandwide since February 2021.
The Minister added that the goal of planting one million trees by 2030 will more than compensate for trees lost during that period, alongside existing greenery replacement measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source