Environment & climate — Topics

10 Jan 2024

Singapore's Progress on COP28 Pledges on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuel, Increasing Renewable Energy Capacity and Improving Energy Efficiency

Singapore has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and is implementing measures like a rising carbon tax, expanding solar capacity, and securing low-carbon electricity imports from regional partners.
The government is exploring advanced low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture, while updating regulations to support these alternatives and improve energy efficiency.
At COP28, Singapore co-facilitated key negotiations and signed global pledges to triple renewable energy and double efficiency by 2030, while maintaining a cautious stance on nuclear energy pending further technological developments.
Singapore plans to engage regionally and globally to encourage the transition from fossil fuels, leveraging its financial sector to support climate action in neighbouring countries.
The government is progressing on climate reporting and updated commitments, with a focus on whole-of-nation efforts and leveraging R&D to stay ahead in the energy transition.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2.0 vs Energy and Environmental Sustainability

The Government is committed to growing Singapore’s data centre and AI compute sector in line with climate goals, focusing on improving energy efficiency and adopting sustainable cooling solutions like liquid cooling.
Initiatives include supporting data centre operators to cut greenhouse gas emissions, developing sustainability standards such as IMDA’s Tropical DC Standards, and updating the Green Mark certification for data centres.
The Government will also invest in green computing methods, including coding and algorithm optimisation, software-hardware optimisation, and developing standards for low-energy AI models.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Review of Gas Flaring Activities in Light of Studies Suggesting Harmful Effects of Toxic Pollutants Released

Murali Pillai requested a review of gas flaring activities in Singapore, citing international studies from COP28 that indicate harmful health effects from toxic pollutants released during flaring.
Grace Fu Hai Yien clarified that Singapore does not have oil and gas drilling and that flaring occurs mainly at refineries and petrochemical plants as a safety measure, with smaller volumes and shorter durations compared to drilling sites.
The National Environment Agency enforces rules to minimize emissions by penalizing plants that produce dark smoke frequently or for prolonged periods, and air quality in industrial areas like the west remains within acceptable limits.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Proposal to Grant Credits on Electricity Bills for Households That Are Actively Recycling

The debate centered on a proposal to grant credits on household electricity bills as a reward for consistent and active recycling.
The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment acknowledged the suggestion but stated it has no plans to implement such a system due to technical challenges in accurately tracking and rewarding recycling practices.
The Ministry instead highlighted ongoing initiatives like the upcoming Beverage Container Return Scheme to encourage recycling through deposit refunds.
The Ministry expressed support for various existing ground-up incentive efforts, such as SG Recycle's machines and ALBA's mobile app, to encourage recycling habits.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Measures to Enhance Waste Reduction and Recycling Efforts

Dr Wan Rizal inquired about government measures to enhance waste reduction and recycling, especially repurposing incineration ash for construction or land reclamation.
Grace Fu highlighted that Semakau Landfill is over half full and may be exhausted by 2035, but efforts are underway to extend its lifespan through regulatory controls and research into waste residue repurposing.
A specific study with NEA, MPA, and NUS is exploring using ash from Semakau as fill material for Tuas Port, with preliminary results expected soon.
The government stressed the need to advance upstream waste reduction and recycling to achieve the Zero Waste vision.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Deployment of Technologies to Enforce against Excessive Vehicular Noise

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the National Environment Agency (NEA) can use advanced technologies to enforce against excessive vehicular noise on the roads.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that excessive vehicle noise stems from factors like vehicle design, illegal modifications, poor maintenance, and inconsiderate driving, and that NEA sets noise emission standards for vehicles.
She noted that unlike speeding, measuring and attributing noise to a specific vehicle is challenging due to interference from other sounds, so current enforcement involves pulling over suspected vehicles for separate noise tests.
Grace Fu added that NEA is monitoring and studying new technologies to address these challenges and will consider their effectiveness for future deployment on roads.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Extent to which Mandatory Plastic Bag Charge has Resulted in Reduced in Use of Plastics

Foo Mee Har asked the Minister about the extent of reduction in plastic bag use and whether the charge has promoted wider recycling efforts, citing evidence of increased participation.
Grace Fu Hai Yien reported that since implementation on 3 July 2023, the mandatory charge has been well-received, with supermarket operators observing a 50% to 80% reduction in disposable carrier bag use.
The minister noted that proceeds from the bag charge are intended to support environmental or social causes, acting as a behavioural nudge to encourage sustainable habits like reducing bag use.
However, it is considered too early to determine if the charge has increased participation in other recycling initiatives, as the focus is on reducing usage rather than recycling.
Any changes in recycling habits cannot be directly attributed to the bag charge, as its primary aim is to reduce disposable bag consumption.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Impact of "Long Island" Project along East Coast Parkway on Marine Habitats and Property Prices in the Area

The Minister for National Development outlined that detailed environmental studies, taking about five years, will be conducted for the Long Island reclamation project to assess impacts on marine habitats and develop mitigating measures, with early engagement of the public, nature groups, and academics.
The project aims to provide coastal protection against sea-level rise, enhance water resilience, and create new land for future housing and amenities while largely preserving East Coast Park, with planning and stakeholder consultations starting from 2025.
Parliament members raised concerns about the sourcing of reclamation sand, prompting the Minister to clarify that sand is imported commercially from various countries, with operators required to comply with local laws and Singapore's procurement regulations, though a formal responsible sourcing framework is not yet established.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2024

Strengthening Safety Practices Following 2021 Tuas Incineration Plant Explosion

Poh Li San inquired about the steps taken by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to enhance workplace safety and culture following the 2021 Tuas Incineration Plant explosion and related charges.
Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked what specific measures have been implemented across all incineration plants to prevent a recurrence of the September 2021 Tuas incident.
The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu Hai Yien, acknowledged the questions and requested to address them in her Ministerial Statement later in the sitting.
The Speaker granted permission for the Minister to answer both questions in her statement and extended New Year wishes to the Chamber and staff.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Urban Crow Population Management

NParks uses a science and community-based approach to manage pest birds like crows, focusing on food source reduction, habitat modification, and population control through surveillance, enforcement, and public awareness.
Strategies include working with agencies and Town Councils to discourage bird-feeding and improve food waste management, as well as conducting humane trapping and removal of crows in line with international standards.
NParks advises Town Councils on greenery management, such as pruning trees or planting species less attractive to birds, to reduce roosting and bird-related disamenities based on ecological studies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Ensuring Safety of Tap Water After Leakage of Chemical Compound Found

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about steps to ensure tap water safety, public outreach, and follow-up on a study about a chemical compound leaking into tap water.
Minister Grace Fu explained that the study used extreme conditions not reflective of Singapore's water system, and PUB's tests show low risk of contaminants forming under actual conditions.
PUB maintains a comprehensive monitoring program with over 500,000 annual tests and is engaging with researchers to understand the study's implications.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Application of Beverage Container Return Scheme to Funeral Industry

The Beverage Container Return Scheme will apply to containers used at funeral wakes, allowing consumers to get deposit refunds at designated return points.
The National Environment Agency will work with the BCRS Operator to engage stakeholders to set up accessible return points near or at funeral wake locations.
The Ministry will consider partnerships with Town Councils and the funeral industry to establish temporary collection points for beverage containers and cardboard boxes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Individuals Caught for Wildlife Feeding and Mental Wellness Programmes or Counselling for Repeat Offenders Besides Fine

From April 2022 to October 2023, 309 individuals were caught for illegally feeding wildlife, including 186 who fed pigeons, with enforcement actions ranging from advisories to fines and court prosecution.
For repeat offenders, authorities partner with agencies like AIC and town councils to understand their motivations and offer alternatives such as community gardening and birdwatching to discourage feeding.
Individuals with mental health needs are linked to appropriate services, including counselling, while public awareness campaigns highlight the negative impacts of feeding wildlife.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

High-rise Littering Cases Reported and Individuals Charged Since Introduction of Presumption Sections in Environmental Public Health Act 1987

The statutory presumption provision for high-rise littering from residential flats took effect on 1 July 2023, and the National Environment Agency received nearly 7,800 feedback cases on such littering between 1 July and 8 October 2023.
Surveillance cameras recorded about 140 acts of high-rise littering from over 80 residential flats in the same period.
Enforcement action was taken against 36 offenders, and four individuals were charged under the presumption provision after failing to justify why it should not apply to them.
The Minister affirmed that high-rise littering is a serious offence and the agency will continue swift and firm enforcement against offenders.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Nov 2023

Enhanced Action Against Drivers of Vehicles with Illegally Modified Exhaust Systems

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the Traffic Police will monitor and take enhanced action against drivers of vehicles with illegally modified exhaust systems causing noise pollution on expressways like East Coast Parkway.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs clarified that enforcement is led by the Land Transport Authority, with penalties including fines up to $5,000 and possible imprisonment, and Traffic Police refer cases to LTA.
Lim Biow Chuan highlighted ongoing complaints from residents about noise from modified vehicles and suggested stricter enforcement or additional regulations to deter such behavior.
The Minister of State responded that agencies conduct joint operations and work with communities to address specific area complaints, with the National Environment Agency adopting more stringent noise guidelines.
Gan Thiam Poh inquired about noise level guidelines between modified vehicles and sports cars, and the Minister confirmed existing guidelines and stressed inter-agency collaboration.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Measures to Tackle High-rise Littering

Tan Wu Meng asked about measures for high-rise littering where CCTV use is not feasible due to HDB block design.
The National Environment Agency uses surveillance cameras with video analytics but steps up education, stakeouts, and investigations when camera deployment is not possible.
Residents are urged to be considerate, and a statutory presumption provision from July 2023 places greater responsibility on flat owners and tenants to prevent littering.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Progress of Residential Demand Response Pilot Programme

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked about peak demand periods in the Residential Demand Response (R-DR) pilot and whether off-peak electricity prices could be lowered to smooth household energy usage.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore's electricity demand peaks in afternoons and is higher during warmer months, with reducing peak demand lowering wholesale prices by avoiding expensive generation units.
Time-Of-Use contracts already offer lower off-peak prices for residential consumers through licensed retailers, and the Energy Market Authority's Demand Response programme incentivizes commercial and industrial consumers to reduce load during high demand.
The EMA and SP Group plan to pilot the R-DR programme in the second half of 2024, offering incentives to households for voluntarily reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Proportion of Non-domestic Water Consumers who Consume Potable Water

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for the current proportion of non-domestic water consumers using potable water, those using over 40 cubic metres of potable water monthly, and those using non-potable sources like NEWater and industrial water, as well as the total daily consumption of both types of water by non-domestic users in 2022.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that non-domestic water users, which include industries, commercial buildings, schools, and community centres, consumed around 360 million cubic metres of water in 2022, accounting for about half of Singapore's total water use.
She noted that potable water made up roughly half of the water used by non-domestic consumers, with the remaining half supplied by NEWater and industrial water.
About 25% of non-domestic water users consumed more than 40 cubic metres of potable water per month, a figure influenced by the scale of their operations and business types like food establishments and manufacturing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Measures to Protect Vulnerable Residents from Impact of Haze

The Ministry partners with the National Environmental Agency and a Haze Task Force to monitor air quality and issue daily advisories, providing specific health guidance for vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
Measures include distributing N95 masks to lower-income residents during severe haze, installing air purifiers in schools and preschools, and ensuring healthcare facilities are prepared for haze-related medical issues.
At the regional level, Singapore supports ASEAN’s efforts to combat transboundary haze, including through the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre and a new coordinating centre in Indonesia to strengthen hotspot management.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2023

Update on Efforts to Curb Crow Population at Heartland Town Centres

Minister Desmond Lee reported that NParks has increased efforts to manage the crow population through habitat modification, food source reduction, and population control, including trapping and nest removal in heartland areas.
NParks collaborates with agencies and Town Councils to address key drivers like bird-feeding and food waste, raising public awareness and conducting surveillance to reduce crow concentrations.
NParks continues to conduct research on crow ecology, trapping methods, and dispersal strategies, including a recent study to enhance trapping efficacy, while urging the public to avoid feeding crows and maintain cleanliness.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source