Environment & climate — Topics

4 Mar 2024

Measures to Address Presence of Microplastics in Food

Louis Ng asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for an update on measures the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is studying to address microplastics in food and whether SFA has plans to implement measures or a threshold level for action.
Grace Fu responded that the World Health Organisation and Food and Agriculture Organisation indicated in 2022 that there is insufficient data to fully understand the impact of microplastics on human health.
SFA collected data from 2022 to 2023 on microplastics in drinking water and food products, and the levels found were not a cause for concern and aligned with findings from other countries like the US, Germany, and the UK.
SFA will continue to monitor microplastics levels and international scientific developments on the topic.

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4 Mar 2024

Guidelines to Ensure Development on Southern Islands Preserves Cultural Significance of The Islands

The debate centered on ensuring that development on the Southern Islands is sensitive to the islands’ cultural significance.
The government is committed to preserving the heritage and biodiversity of the islands for future generations.
Development plans consider the islands’ idyllic setting and aim to minimize environmental and heritage impact.
Agencies will collaborate closely with stakeholders to carry out developments in a sensitive manner.

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4 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment)

Singapore is enhancing coastal protection based on the latest climate projections, with site-specific studies and upcoming legislation to safeguard coastlines and support plans like the Lim Chu Kang Master Plan.
The “30 by 30” vision to produce 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs locally by 2030 faces challenges, but the government is providing funding, promoting shared facilities, and boosting demand for local produce through industry partnerships.
To improve public hygiene, a multi-pronged approach includes stricter enforcement, new public toilet taskforces, and community campaigns, while encouraging civic responsibility to maintain a clean environment.

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4 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment)

The debate centered on the progress and challenges of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the nation's zero-waste and net-zero emissions goals, with MPs asking for updates on specific targets like solar energy deployment, waste reduction, and carbon neutrality in schools.
Key discussions focused on enhancing public hygiene and cleanliness, particularly the state of public toilets in hawker centres and coffeeshops, leading to the declaration of 2024 as the Year of Public Hygiene with increased enforcement and community engagement.
The government outlined support for businesses and households in the green transition, including expanding the Climate Friendly Households Programme to all HDB households, streamlining energy efficiency grants for SMEs, and enhancing green procurement criteria for public sector tenders.

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1 Mar 2024

Ensuring Singapore Remains Leading Aviation Hub in Transit to Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about measures to maintain Singapore’s aviation hub status amid the 2026 mandate for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use on all departing flights.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the government’s SAF ecosystem strategy balances economic competitiveness with environmental sustainability to support the air hub’s long-term growth and attract investments.
He directed reference to the Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint published by CAAS on 19 February 2024 for detailed information on the approach.

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1 Mar 2024

Measures by Aviation Industry to Meet Net-zero Emission Targets by 2050

Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport about additional measures beyond sustainable aviation fuel that the aviation industry is taking to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Chee Hong Tat referenced the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint published by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, which outlines 12 concrete initiatives.
The Blueprint covers the airport, airline, and air traffic management domains to achieve net-zero domestic and international aviation carbon emissions by 2050.
The details of the initiatives are available on the CAAS website for public reference.

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1 Mar 2024

Study on Impact of Replacing Yellow Streetlights with White LED Streetlights on Wildlife

Leong Mun Wai inquired whether an environmental impact study was conducted on replacing yellow streetlights with white LED lights and the effects on wildlife, or why not if none was done.
Chee Hong Tat responded that Singapore’s streetlights comply with International Electrotechnical Commission standards and that white LED lights improve road visibility and driver safety.
The debate highlights concerns about wildlife impact versus the priority of road safety in Singapore's streetlight policy.

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1 Mar 2024

Efficacy of PUB's Biomanipulation and Other Measures to Control Midge Fly Population at Pandan Reservoir

The Minister confirmed that PUB has implemented a multi-pronged approach including egg removal, biological larvicide, fish release, and fogging to control midges at Pandan Reservoir.
These measures are continuously adjusted based on monitoring of eggs, larvae, and adult midge populations.
The Minister stated that the measures have proven effective in keeping the midge population low, with no major outbreaks since 2019.

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1 Mar 2024

Multi-Mode Passive Detection System for Illegal Shipments of Wildlife and Wildlife Products

Louis Ng asked the Minister for National Development for an update on the testing of the Multi-Mode Passive Detection System (MMPDS) and whether the Ministry is exploring other technologies to detect illegal wildlife shipments through ports.
Desmond Lee responded that Singapore uses a whole-of-government approach, with agencies like NParks, Singapore Customs, and ICA collaborating to screen goods and travellers at checkpoints using technologies such as radiographic scanners and hand-held devices.
ICA tested the MMPDS in 2020 but found radiographic scanners more reliable for detecting wildlife products, leading to the deployment of enhanced radiographic scanners with high throughput and sensitivity.
NParks has developed a mobile app with Microsoft and Conservation International to identify illegally traded shark species using AI, and is exploring advanced techniques like electronic smell sensors and DNA sequencing.
The government will continue to explore and leverage new technologies to strengthen enforcement against illegal wildlife trade.

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1 Mar 2024

Products Certified under Singapore Green Labelling Scheme and Efforts to Promote Wider Adoption

The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme has certified over 4,300 products from more than 800 companies to date, with multiple other green labelling schemes also active in Singapore.
The public sector promotes greener products through its GreenGov.SG initiative, which sets green procurement requirements for various goods and services and regularly reviews these policies.
The government is exploring ways to incentivize the private sector, such as through Enterprise SG and NEA grants, to encourage procurement of sustainability-labelled products despite their premium pricing.

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1 Mar 2024

Data on Companies Voluntarily Imposing Charge for Disposable Carrier Bag

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment has implemented a mandatory charge for all disposable carrier bags at larger supermarkets since July 2023 and will review its impact after a full year.
The Ministry does not track the number of retailers that have voluntarily introduced their own disposable bag charges and has no plans to do so, though it acknowledges many major retailers have done so.
A Member of Parliament questioned the Ministry's decision not to collect data on voluntary charges to better understand the broader impact of the bag charge policy.
The Ministry responded that it is too early to assess the effectiveness of the recent mandatory charge and that any expansion of the scheme would be considered after the first-year review.

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28 Feb 2024

Measures to Reassure End Users that Water from Water Coolers is Safe for Consumption

Ms. See Jinli Jean inquired about measures to assure end-users that water from water coolers in buildings, public sites, and schools is safe for drinking.
The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment stated that PUB conducts a comprehensive sampling and monitoring program for all potable water, which meets Singapore’s drinking water regulations and WHO guidelines.
Building and facility owners are responsible for the proper installation and maintenance of water coolers on their premises.
PUB and the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) will jointly investigate any public feedback on water quality issues.

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28 Feb 2024

Update on Singapore Costal Waters Bacterial Contamination and Measures to Monitor, Mitigate and Prevent Such Contamination

The National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors water quality at seven recreational beaches weekly, testing for Enterococcus bacteria and publishing annual beach grades and weekly updates, with Pasir Ris and Sembawang Parks currently graded "Fair" and advisories issued against primary contact water activities.
The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment and NEA are collaborating with agencies like PUB, NParks, and the Singapore Food Agency to investigate and address sources of elevated Enterococcus levels while noting no significant impact on marine ecosystems or biodiversity from current contamination.
Beachgoers are encouraged to check the Beach Short-term Water Quality Information (BSWI) and health advisories via the NEA website or myENV app due to fluctuations in bacterial levels from factors like currents and tides.

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28 Feb 2024

Update on Tracking Companies Tapping on Government Grants for Internationalisation to Uphold ESG Practices

Ms. See Jinli Jean asked if the Ministry tracks whether companies using government grants for internationalisation uphold responsible ESG practices abroad, what actions are taken if they are irresponsible, and how Singapore's reputation as an ESG hub is protected.
Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that companies must comply with ESG requirements in the countries they expand into, but the government cannot track compliance due to varying standards across economies.
The government, through Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council, encourages companies to adopt international and local sustainability standards and has launched the Enterprise Sustainability Programme to provide resources for decarbonisation.

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28 Feb 2024

Possibility of Reviewing Industry Transformation Maps to Ensure Consistency with COP28 Outcomes

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if the government will review the Industry Transformation Maps to ensure they align with COP28 outcomes, including transitioning away from fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy, doubling energy efficiency, and cutting methane emissions.
Gan Kim Yong responded that most of the 23 ITMs have been refreshed in the last two years and are consistent with Singapore’s sustainability commitments and net zero by 2050 target.
The debate centered on whether the refreshed ITMs sufficiently incorporate COP28’s specific climate actions, with the minister affirming alignment but not committing to a new review.

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28 Feb 2024

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

Members raised concerns about Singapore's climate vulnerabilities, including the need for regional energy cooperation, preparing for extreme weather, and the economic risks posed by the Northern Sea Route, while seeking updates on net-zero targets and green finance initiatives.
Debates on demographic challenges highlighted the record-low fertility rate, strategies to support marriage and parenthood, the role of immigration in mitigating workforce decline, and calls for better integration of migrant workers and support for ageing populations.
Discussions on public service reforms focused on equipping officers with skills for complex global challenges, improving citizen-centric service delivery, and enhancing partnerships through initiatives like the Singapore Government Partnerships Office and Public Service for Good movement.

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27 Feb 2024

Update on Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey Report

Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired whether an update could be provided on the Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey report and if it would be published this year as announced.
Desmond Lee responded that the National Parks Board has completed the fieldwork and is analyzing the data, with the report targeted for publication this year.
The Ministry for National Development confirmed that NParks is on track to release the report as planned.
The exchange highlighted progress in the biodiversity survey and the commitment to timely publication.
No additional concerns or delays were raised, indicating a straightforward update on the survey's status.

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26 Feb 2024

Plant-based Meals for Government Events to Lead Way in Food Sustainability Effort

Ms See Jinli Jean inquired if the Government would offer plant-based meals at official events to promote sustainability.
The Government affirmed its commitment to leading sustainability efforts and influencing public behaviour through events.
A Best Practice Guide has been issued to advise agencies on eco-friendly event planning, including selecting certified sustainable caterers.
Government events typically provide a range of dietary options, including vegetarian choices, to meet participants' needs.
The approach focuses on encouraging sustainable practices rather than mandating plant-based meals exclusively.

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16 Feb 2024

Effectiveness of Project Wolbachia Phase 5 to Curb Dengue

The National Environment Agency reported that Project Wolbachia has reduced the local Aedes aegypti mosquito population by over 90% and made residents up to 77% less likely to be infected with dengue in areas with at least one year of releases.
The NEA plans to expand Project Wolbachia to five additional residential areas in early 2024, increasing coverage from 26% to 35% of all households in Singapore, with no current plans for industrial estates.
No unintended consequences or negative impacts have been observed, with risk assessments confirming safety for human health and negligible ecological risk, and community surveys showing 96% resident acceptance.

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16 Feb 2024

Tracking Buildings and Facilities to Keep Indoor Temperatures at 25 Degrees Celsius

Ms See Jinli Jean asked whether the Ministry tracks buildings committed to keeping indoor temperatures at 25°C and how it plans to encourage collective action against the urban heat island effect.
The Government does not track indoor temperature settings of buildings and facilities in Singapore.
The Ministry refers to its response on the Adjournment Motion “Building a Heat-resilient Singapore” for details on heat resilience plans and urban heat island mitigation efforts.

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